Montgomery County student graduates Brewton-Parker College, then high school

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By Mandy Corbin

MOUNT VERNON — When senior Tori McGuire walked across the stage in her cap in gown Friday, May 20, to graduate from Montgomery County High School, it was a feeling all too familiar to her. That’s because two weeks earlier on Saturday, May 7, she earned her associate’s degree from Brewton-Parker College.

McGuire, from Ailey, started taking classes with Brewton-Parker as part of the school Move on When Ready (MOWR) program. She is the second student to graduate and get an associate’s before receiving a high school diploma.

Tori McGuire received her college diploma from Brewton-Parker College two weeks before she received her high school diploma. PIX PHOTOGRAPHY/Special Tori McGuire received her college diploma from Brewton-Parker College two weeks before she received her high school diploma. PIX PHOTOGRAPHY/ Special

When asked what advice she could give to other high school students, McGuire responded, “Going to college while in high school isn’t easy, but if you really want to do it, you have to study more. You can’t slack. You need to be dependable, efficient, and turn your work in on time.”

State program provides free tuition

She also added, “Move on When Ready pays for your classes and books, which helps save you money. If you put your mind to it, you can do it.”

She says she’s also thankful for the support from her family. “I am especially thankful for the support from my mother. She has encouraged me to not give up when I felt like giving up.”

McGuire says her favorite Bible passage is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

She stated, “I live by these verses daily, and they’ve helped me get through high school and college.”

In addition to being a full-time college and high school student, McGuire was involved in FBLA, FFA, Beta Club, and volunteered at her high school and the Montgomery County Elementary School Library. Her future plans are to attend Florida A&M University in Tallahassee and enter into the pharmacy program.


Mandy Corbin serves Brewton-Parker College as director of marketing.

Brewton-Parker College, graduation, Tori McGuire