A Diploma for Herself and Her Children

Alexis Tellez-Rivas started CFCC’s Adult High School program in 2021 while balancing work and raising her children. Now, with two small children at home and another baby on the way this summer, she’s finishing her final class and preparing to graduate in June.

This spring, Alexis was nominated by CFCC for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award. Named after the late Dr. Dallas Herring, one of North Carolina’s earliest advocates for community colleges, the award recognizes a student who embodies his philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”

As graduation approaches, Alexis says earning her diploma carries deep personal meaning not only for herself but also for her children.

“I’m happy because a lot of things have happened in my life,” she said. “To achieve this, it’s one thing I get to show my children. No matter how long it takes, you still have time.”

After graduation, Alexis hopes to continue her education and pursue studies in accounting and finance.

To learn more about CFCC’s Adult High School program, visit cfcc.edu/academic-career-readiness/adult-high-school.