Tanner Cheek, a student at Marlboro County High School (MCHS), completed his Associate of Science Degree at Northeastern Technical College (NETC). He marched alongside other graduates in the NETC 2020 Fall Commencement Ceremony. When he graduates from high school in Spring 2021, he will do so with his Associate Degree in hand.

Cheek was among 20 students selected his freshman year to participate in the Young Scholars Program, a partnership between NETC and the Marlboro County School District that allows students from MCHS to take college classes each year. The Young Scholar Program, now referred to as the Dual Enrollment Program, was designed to give high school students a taste of the college experience.

This experience also taught Cheek how to balance a busy schedule. Cheek is the pitcher for the MCHS Baseball team and plans to enjoy his last year as a Senior before heading off to college. “I created a to-do list to help me prioritize my life,” Cheek said. “After I finished coursework, I was able to do other things I am passionate about, like Baseball.” Already a successful student-athlete, Cheek is considering playing baseball on the collegiate level. He is in no rush. He is happy pitching the season with his associate already in hand.

“In the beginning, I thought classes were going to be hard, but I found I enjoyed the information I was learning,” Cheek said. “Psychology was my favorite subject.” Cheek is still deciding where he wants to attend college after graduation, but he is sure he wants to pursue a 4-Year degree in Physical Therapy. After taking college courses at such a young age, Cheek is confident he will find academic success wherever he decides to enroll.

Cheek has a great support system and attributes a lot of his success to his “Mama” pushing him. “This was a great opportunity for Tanner to get ahead in his education and save a lot of money in the process,” Kim Cheek, his mother, said. “I am so proud of the man he is becoming.”

Cheek shares this thought with anyone considering participating in the dual enrollment program, “This is a chance to smell it and find out if the college experience is for you, don’t waste this opportunity.”

Marlboro County School District Superintendent, Dr. Gregory McCord said , “It is always good to see young students excelling in academics and athletics. Tanner represents what we want for all students in Marlboro County School District! He is not only meets the criteria for a “college and career ready” graduate, he embodies what all student-athlete can accomplish, academic success!”

Dr. Jamane Watson, principal of Marlboro County High added ““Tanner has demonstrated that he not only has skills on the diamond but also the much needed academic skills. He attention to detail and time management skills are on full display. Tanner’s strong focus and determination are a testament to his family values.”

Tanner Cheek

Marlboro County School District

Tanner Cheek

Called Board Meeting 12/15/2020

Weekly Updates with Dr. Gregory McCord 12/18/2020