In partnership with Trinity Valley Community College, Athens Independent School District offers students the ability to complete their high school requirements while earning an associate degree. Students in PINNACLE, the dual-credit program offered by Athens ISD, can easily transition from high school to college with the support from high school teachers and TVCC faculty members.

In just three years, Kimberly Morales went from student to teacher with the help of the Athens ISD PINNACLE program and the support of her parents and older sister, Karla D. Galvan.

Morales was introduced to the PINNACLE program while in middle school but was unsure of the idea of taking college classes while attending high school.

“My parents were the ones who pushed me into doing it [PINNACLE],” Morales said. "There are so many benefits going in. I am so thankful in this program.”

With the help of the PINNACLE program, Morales received her associate degree just two-weeks before graduating from Athens ISD. After graduating from both Athens ISD and TVCC, Morales attended University of Texas in Tyler where she majored in Kinesiology with a minor in Physical Education with the hopes of becoming a PE teacher.

“I really appreciate graduating with my associate degree before I received my high school degree,” Morales said. “I completed a lot of my basics here, so after [graduating TVCC] it didn’t take long to receive my bachelor’s degree at UT Tyler. Plus, the transfer process from TVCC to UT Tyler was super easy!”

Morales currently works at Athens High School as the Varsity soccer coach, Junior Varsity volleyball coach and the Physical Education (PE) coach at Central Athens Elementary.

“I enjoy working with the athletes and students,” Morales shared. “They keep my job interesting and fun. That’s why I love my job!”

While at TVCC, Morales enjoyed the close-community feel on the TVCC-Athens Campus.

“I remember when the Starbucks [at The Perch] opened and we would try to get a Starbucks every single day,” Morales shared. “My friends and I would always study at the Student Success Center. It was nice knowing that it was such a close community, and the teachers were very helpful and nice.”

Morales explains the process to start at the PINNACLE program and college was intimidating at first, but shared if it wasn’t for the PINNACLE program she wouldn’t know if she would have finished college or be working in the career she’s in today.

“If you’re nervous about it – just do it,” Morales said. “It may seem hard, but just do it. The teachers and the program are excellent, and they are prepared to help you in your future. In the long run, it will benefit you and your career so much.”