The final days of Richland Collegiate High School are rapidly approaching, with only about two more weeks left of the semester for students, faculty and Dallas College as a whole.
For many staff and faculty, saying goodbye is bittersweet. Over the years, they’ve watched students grow not just academically but on a personal basis as individuals.
Lea Munkres, superintendent and executive director of RCHS, said, “RCHS served as an early model for dual credit in Texas, being one of the first programs to offer students the opportunity to graduate with an associate’s degree while still in high school.”
Geoff Manzi, professor at Richland, spoke about the lasting impact on Dallas College professors as they shared a journey of growth alongside their students.
“Having new students that are open and embracing of technological advancements and artificial intelligence has encouraged me to step up my game pedagogically. I now employ teaching techniques and classes that are going to appeal to this generation that is comfortable with technology and knows how to play with it.”
According to Kay Coder, professor at Dallas College, the ripple effect went beyond the classroom.
“What’s really great about it is that the older students get to learn from the younger ones, and the younger ones get to learn from the older ones.”
Having both high schoolers and older students in class made things more interesting. There was real learning happening, not just from lessons, but from each other.
Outside of class, RCHS students appear to have made their mark, too. Many RCHS students participate in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) to other extracurriculars, highlighting the capabilities of younger students in a college setting.
Manzi said, “You know, on a deeper level, I wonder if the overall academic community in terms of student population is going to the high school-turning-college-student perspective. Yeah, and not just even in the classroom, but like, in extracurricular stuff.”
Many are sad, knowing that future students won’t get the same chance.
Stephane Rovelo, a former RCHS graduate and who went on to serve as principal of the program, said, “It does hurt to know that the program that did so much for me and provided so many opportunities for other people isn’t going to be an option for kids coming up with this next generation.”
Rovelo graduated from RCHS in 2010 before pursuing higher education at the University of North Texas.
“This was a school that really pushed the envelope on what schools could possibly be.”
