This month brought double the celebration for Kourtni Flowers and Roman Oliver, both of Helena-West Helena, who proudly walked across two stages—once for their high school diplomas and again for their associate degrees from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA).
Kourtni Flowers, daughter of Jaleesa Riley, also graduated from KIPP Delta Collegiate High School on May 7. Having started courses at PCCUA in the spring of 2023, she not only earned her high school diploma a year early but also her associate degree. Kourtni will study Business at Arkansas State University in the fall and plans to continue her academic journey through law school.
“Graduating from high school a year early while also earning my associate degree has been a tremendous blessing, and I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far,” Flowers shared. “A mentor once told me, ‘Knowledge is something that cannot be taken from you,’ and that wisdom has stayed with me. I want to use my education to make a meaningful impact.”
Roman Oliver, son of Raneshia Oliver and the late Stevie Oliver, graduated from KIPP Delta Collegiate High School on May 7 and earned his Associate of Arts degree from PCCUA after beginning college courses in the summer of 2023. Roman plans to major in Computer Science at Arkansas State University this fall.
“As I entered high school, I had one goal—and that was graduating high school,” said Oliver. “Here I am today, graduated from high school and obtained my associate degree simultaneously. I never could have imagined this being part of my plan. This was a great opportunity to be better prepared and get a feel for college life as I plan to attend A-State this fall.”
PCCUA celebrates these remarkable students for their drive, resilience, and commitment to excellence, and we look forward to watching their futures unfold.
Pictured are Kourtni Flowers, Kevin Arnold (PCCUA Advisor), and Roman Oliver.
