Outstanding Graduate Grace Gilsdorf Takes Unique Path to Earn College Degree Before High School Diploma
It’s shaping up to be a busy month of May for Grace Gilsdorf, with two graduation ceremonies to participate in.
A College Credit Plus (CCP) student who completed college-level classes while still in high school, she’ll receive her Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Science from Owens Community College a few weeks before receiving her diploma from Holland Springfield High School.
“Graduation is especially meaningful because of the unconventional path I chose,” said Gilsdorf, who was named the School of STEM outstanding graduate.
“Pursuing the dual enrollment path required great self-discipline and independence. I learned to communicate with professors, manage demanding coursework and balance school, work, clubs and sports. This experience has pushed me to be better and pursue paths I would have never thought possible.”
Gilsdorf started taking CCP classes as a sophomore in high school and fully committed herself to taking enough credit hours to earn her associate degree as a junior and senior.
While she said her experience at Owens was “positive and challenging in the best way,” Gilsdorf said the support from professor Grant Scholten and CCP advisor Tyler Kish was vital during her unconventional and busy path to graduation.
“I chose this path because I wanted to challenge myself and get a head start on my education,” Gilsdorf said. “The small, welcoming community at Owens drew me in. Finishing high school at Owens and earning my degree was the best decision I ever made.”
Next up, Gilsdorf will attend Bowling Green State University in pursuit of her bachelor’s in environmental.
Learn More About the College Credit Plus (CCP) Program
Learn More About Environmental Science
Published May 2026