Marinus Ray, a student at Chattanooga State’s Middle College High School, will graduate in May 2009, receiving both his high school diploma and an associate of arts degree.  A resident of Rising Fawn, Georgia, Marinus is only 16 years old.  He plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall of 2009.

While attending Middle College High School, Marinus held various leadership roles.  In the fall of 2007, he was the youngest student to be elected to the office of vice president of Chattanooga State’s student government.  Marinus was also invited to participate in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature in November 2008.  Representing Chattanooga State, he visited the Tennessee state capital in Nashville and interacted with top state officials while observing legislative processes.

As a Middle College High School student, Marinus had the opportunity to enroll in college‐level courses.  “I have really enjoyed my years at Chattanooga State’s Middle College High School,” says Marinus.  “I was allowed to take college classes with other college students and receive college credit while I was a high school student.  I will enter UTC as a junior this fall.”

Along with easy access to challenging curriculums, Middle College High School also allows students flexibility when scheduling their classes.  “The environment is supportive and reinforces a certainty that many young adults need as they begin their college careers,” noted Paul Ray, Marinus’ father.  “The middle college program places students in a collegiate experience.  Students graduate prepared and confident in their abilities to adjust to a four-year college experience and, most importantly, these students enter college with a competitive edge.”

For more information about Chattanooga State’s Middle College High School program, visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu/Middle_College.

For information about Chattanooga State and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.