Hamilton High School and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) are helping nine students get a jump start on their careers while earning both high school and college credits. Students, staff and families gathered in the high school gym on April 23 to celebrate the students officially signing contracts to participate in the Dual Enrollment Academy during the 2026-27 school year.
The Dual Enrollment Academy helps ease the transition from high school to post-secondary education, providing insight into college academics and a jump-start on apprenticeship programs. This initiative also gives business and industry access to a pipeline of new, well-trained talent.
“The Dual Enrollment Signing Day Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate these students and their very important accomplishment,” explains Hamilton High School Associate Principal and Extended Learning Coordinator Marquea Goike. “These nine students have taken a very important step in their educational journey and we wanted to invite their families to be present when they officially commit to take part in the program,” she adds.
Students accepted to the highly competitive Dual Enrollment Academy will be at WCTC from 8 a.m. – noon every day during their senior year and attend high school at Hamilton for their fourth block class.
The following students are enrolled:
- Olivia Cera – automation systems
- Jack DeByl – tool and die/CNC
- Ryan Doese – fire/EMT
- Colin Finucan – building trades
- Zachary Francis – building trades
- Kennadee Gross – early childhood
- Leia Lee-Olivarez – criminal justice
- Jacob Ruiz – information technology systems specialist
- Zoey Turner – early childhood
This year, a total of 303 high school students from all over Waukesha County applied to take part in the Dual Enrollment Academy. Almost every program had more applicants than spots available. After successfully completing the program, students earn a WCTC certificate or diploma and high school credits.