WTC President Dr. Laurie Sharp (far left) with WTC Dual Credit and Course Sharing Director Molli Fleming (far right) and the Hermleigh ISD Board of Trustees.
For students in Hermleigh, the journey to a college degree can begin long before high school graduation. Over the past three years, a partnership between Hermleigh ISD and Western Texas College has helped students earn college credentials, gain confidence and save their families thousands of dollars in college expenses.
Western Texas College President Dr. Laurie Sharp recently highlighted those achievements during remarks to the Hermleigh ISD Board of Trustees during the section of the meeting reserved for public comments. She emphasized the value of a partnership built on shared community ties and a commitment to student success.
In just three years, 50 Hermleigh ISD students have earned a combined 1,050 college credit hours, 13 certificates and 11 associate degrees through the dual-credit program at Western Texas College (WTC). The partnership has also generated an estimated $115,020 in college cost savings for students and their families.
For Sharp, the accomplishments represent more than academic progress. They reflect opportunities that can change the direction of a student's future.
"Imagine walking across the high school graduation stage already holding a college credential," Sharp told Trustees. "Imagine the confidence that comes from knowing you can succeed in college-level work, and the relief a family may feel when the cost of the next step becomes more manageable."
As neighboring institutions in Scurry County, Hermleigh ISD and WTC share more than students. They share a responsibility to help young people succeed while strengthening the communities they call home.
One example is WTC's Opportunity Tuition Waiver, which helps eligible Scurry County students reduce college costs by covering tuition and the general use fee.
Over the past three years, 37 Hermleigh ISD students have benefited from the waiver.
The program also encourages students to give back to their communities. Participants complete at least 20 hours of service with an approved Scurry County organization, connecting educational opportunity with community involvement.
Sharp, a former classroom teacher, emphasized the importance of helping students understand that their education can benefit more than themselves.
"Education is not only about what we accomplish for ourselves, but also about how we contribute to the places and people who have invested in us," Sharp said.
The relationship between Hermleigh ISD and WTC extends beyond college courses and financial assistance.
WTC student-athletes and athletic teams have also spent time serving and supporting Hermleigh students, creating personal connections that help younger students see college as an attainable next step.
These experiences introduce students to college life through people they can meet and relate to, making the transition from high school to higher education feel less intimidating.
Sharp also recognized Hermleigh ISD Superintendent Jessie Ellerbe, the Board of Trustees and the district's educators for their continued dedication to students.
"As a former classroom teacher, I know that the work of education is deeply personal," Sharp said. "Behind every successful student is often an educator who noticed a strength, offered encouragement, or refused to let that student give up."
While the partnership has already produced measurable results, WTC remains focused on what comes next for Hermleigh students.
Sharp emphasized her commitment to strengthening relationships with school districts throughout WTC's 10-county service area. Those efforts include developing clearer pathways to college certificates and degrees, connecting students with career opportunities and responding to the evolving needs of local schools.
"One of my priorities as president is to make sure partnerships like ours remain relationships, not just agreements on paper," Sharp told trustees.
For Hermleigh students, that commitment means continued opportunities to begin college early, reduce educational expenses and explore career pathways while remaining connected to their hometown.
For WTC, the partnership reflects a larger commitment to investing in the people and communities of West Texas.
"We share a place. We share people we care about. And we have an opportunity to keep moving forward together," Sharp said.