FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dona Prindle
Two Quinebaug Middle College Students Graduate with High School Diplomas
AND Associate Degrees
DANIELSON, CT – Two exceptional students from Quinebaug Middle College Magnet High School (QMC) will make history this spring by graduating not only with their high school diplomas, but also with Associate degrees from CT State Community College - Quinebaug Valley. Elsie Peterson of Plainfield and Claire Bonafine from Windham have each earned over 60 college credits through the school's innovative dual enrollment program.
Peterson, who will receive her Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with 66 college credits, began her college journey with Math 137 (Intermediate Algebra) and went on to complete coursework ranging from Biology to 3-Dimensional Design. She participated in CT State QVCC's Spring commencement ceremony in May before heading to the University of Rhode Island to pursue a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders, with plans to earn a master's in Speech and Language Pathology to become a Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist.
Bonafine earned her Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with 64 college credits, exploring diverse interests including film studies, medical courses, and laboratory sciences. Her college coursework helped her discover a passion for lab-related work, leading her to transfer her credits to the University of Connecticut this fall to pursue pharmacy studies.
Both students exemplify QMC's commitment to developing well-rounded leaders. Peterson serves as president of the National Honor Society, senior yearbook editor, and member of the leadership committee, while also volunteering with New London County’s 4-H and Girl Scouts. Bonafine has grown from a student "too scared to even answer a question in class" into a confident leader who runs town meetings, organizes fundraisers, and represents countries in Model UN conferences.
Quinebaug Middle College's unique dual enrollment program allows students to take college courses alongside their high school curriculum, providing early exposure to higher education while building critical thinking and leadership skills. This innovative approach enables motivated students to begin their post-secondary education with significant college credits already completed, reducing both time and cost for their bachelor's degrees.
"QMC has not only allowed me to get a jump start in college, but it has also allowed me to become even more active in the community," Peterson noted. "This access to college classes but also a community-based school has allowed me to get a head start in college as well as advance my leadership and communication skills."
The graduates will be recognized at QMC's commencement ceremony on June 13th, marking the completion of four years of rigorous academic work that has prepared them exceptionally well for their continued educational journeys.
About Quinebaug Middle College Quinebaug Middle College is a magnet high school that provides students with an innovative educational experience combining high school and college coursework through partnerships with CT State Community College - Quinebaug Valley. Learn more at www.eastconn.org/qmc
