CEI student first to earn AS Degree while still in high school

The College of Eastern Idaho will hold its 2019 Commencement Thursday.

Out of the 485 awards that will be issued at the CEI Commencement this year, one student is highlighted for her exceptional achievements.

Lindsay Gardels will graduate from both Skyline High School and CEI this month.

She is the first dual credit student to earn an associate of science transfer degree in general education from CEI while still in high school.

The student says her education is a priority and school comes first.

Her hard work and studies caused her to miss out on some high school experiences but she says it was worth it.

Gardels said, “I didn’t get to go to prom this year but it was worth it to me because I get to walk this week for college. I may not have been around the people I would have gone through high school with but I met so many other great people along the way.”

Gardels says she is looking forward to her high school graduation that will happen at the end of the month but is more excited to attend her college graduation that is happing this week.

After graduation, the young student plans to continue her education by earning a bachelors at Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Gardels is still figuring out her future but is optimistic about studying accounting and one day getting her masters degree.