Graduation season is here, and Austin Community College District (ACC) is celebrating the achievements of students across Central Texas. The College celebrated more than 800 high school seniors, who are already ahead of the curve, at the Chancellor’s Reception on Thursday, April 30, at Shoreline Church.
About 1,800 students, families, educators, and community members gathered to recognize high school students who have earned an associate degree, workforce certificate, occupational skills award, or completed core college coursework before graduating high school.
The event highlighted the power of ACC’s Early College High School and Dual Credit programs, which give students a head start on college and career pathways. Student speakers Nallely Guerrero Tovar of LBJ Early College High School and Yahir Rojo Perez of Crockett Early College High School shared their experiences balancing high school and college-level work and what it means for their futures.
A special moment of the evening recognized Victor Villarreal, former ACC Board member and current Management Instructor, as the 2026 Faculty Star Award recipient. The student-nominated award honors faculty who go above and beyond to support high school students in ACC programs. Additional nominees included Allison Bumsted, Tim Hemesath, Ryan Kubicek, Rubi Medina, Andrew Smith, and Sarah Stayton.
All students recognized are invited to walk the stage at ACC’s Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. For more information about the commencement ceremony and to stay updated on the celebration, visit austincc.edu/commencement.
Photos from the event are available below.
Tags: Chancellor's Reception, dual-credit, Early College High School, graduates, high school, Spring 2026 Commencement, Spring 2026 Graduation
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