Twin Siblings Earn College Degrees before High School Graduation through Calhoun Dual Enrollment

Most siblings celebrate graduation in different seasons of life. For twin siblings Anwyn and Levi MacIntosh, it is another milestone they will reach together. On May 14, the 17-year-old twins will graduate from Calhoun Community College before receiving their high school diplomas, joining a growing number of high school students achieving this milestone through the college's dual enrollment program. Of more than 2,300 currently enrolled dual enrollment students, approximately 8 will graduate this year with a full college degree before finishing high school, and more than 100 will receive various certificates.

"We're twins, and through dual enrollment we're graduating from college before we even get our high school diplomas."

Although they are twins, Anwyn and Levi are not identical and are often mistaken for anything but siblings at first glance. "People assume Levi is older because he's taller," Anwyn said. "But I'm actually five hours older." Their playful dynamic extends to how they describe each other. Anwyn called her brother "cool, hardworking, reliable," while Levi joked, "Well… she's short."

Despite the humor, both credit each other with helping them succeed in college-level coursework. Anwyn said their strengths balance each other. "He's more likely to procrastinate, and I'm more likely to double-check everything," she said. "Sometimes I have to remind him he has homework." Levi added, "Graduating with my sister is probably the best route I could have taken. She helped me with proofreading essays and getting settled in online courses."

Anwyn began taking classes at Calhoun at age 14 after discovering an interest in programming. She will graduate with a degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Systems Engineering Technology and has been accepted to Brigham Young University, where her credits are expected to transfer. "If I went straight there after this, I could graduate with my bachelor's at 19," she said. She also praised Calhoun's faculty, noting that even in online courses she always felt comfortable reaching out. "The teachers are very friendly and open to being talked to," she said. "I always got quick responses."

Levi will graduate with a degree in Aerospace Technologies Structures and Assembly and plans to become a pilot. Through Calhoun's aerospace program, he has gained hands-on experience building aircraft and rocket components. "Just knowing how it's done makes me feel much better about my future," he said. "This head start is helping me put my life on a fast track to be more successful."

Both say homeschooling and dual enrollment gave them independence and maturity beyond their years. "I gained experience and knowledge that a high school student usually doesn't have," Levi said. "Honestly, I don't feel like I sacrificed anything." Anwyn added, "Our family culture is seeing things through to the end."

Some of their favorite memories are simple. Anwyn said she will remember laughing with friends in the classroom, while Levi recalled the day their mother took them to the Calhoun bookstore when they first started classes. "We got Calhoun hoodies together," he said. "It's a good memory." Following graduation, both plan to serve missions for their church before continuing their education and career paths.

Their advice to students considering dual enrollment is simple. "Do it," Anwyn said. "It's not nearly as difficult as people think." Levi added, "Pick a goal and set out to achieve it. Once you get going, it gets much easier."

"Anwyn and Levi represent the very best of what dual enrollment is designed to do," said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. "Their achievement reflects not only their hard work, but also the power of students, families, and faculty working together to open doors that change lives."

For the MacIntosh twins, dual enrollment has been more than an academic pathway. It has been a launch point for their futures, and when they cross the graduation stage on Thursday, May 14 at 4 p.m. at the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, they will do so the way they have done nearly everything else in life, together.

Calhoun's dual enrollment program continues to grow substantially, now accounting for 24% of the college's 10,000+ total enrollment. 

To learn more about Calhoun's graduation ceremony, visit calhoun.edu. To learn more about the dual enrollment program, visit calhoun.edu/dualenrollment.

All media inquiries should contact Calhoun’s Public Relations Team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965.