Commencement will be extra special this upcoming May for student.
COAL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School will make history during the 2026-2027 academic year when senior Maggie Gownley becomes the first student to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.
Gownley, daughter of Sean and Katrina Gownley, will earn her degree through Luzerne County Community College before turning 20. Lourdes Regional offers dual-enrollment opportunities for students in grades nine through 12.
Junior Bridget Bradley, a student in the school’s media program, spoke with Gownley about her academic journey.
Bridget Bradley: When did you start taking college courses?
Maggie Gownley: I started college classes in the fall of my first year through Luzerne’s dual-enrollment program. My first class was sociology with Miss Gownley, which met at Lourdes at 7 a.m.
Bradley: What are your plans after high school?
Gownley: I want to pursue a career in health care. Right now, I am planning to go into nursing and become a registered nurse.
Bradley: Which colleges are you considering, and have you had any issues transferring credits?
Gownley: I have considered Bloomsburg, West Chester, and Saint Joseph’s. Colleges now have transfer portals where you can check whether credits transfer before applying. Schools are very strict about their nursing programs, so I will still need toattend for four years.
Bradley: Which class did you enjoy the most, and which was the most challenging?
Gownley: I enjoyed psychology the most. I took all the psychology classes I could, and I really enjoyed learning from Mr. Weller—he was the best teacher. The most challenging class was public speaking because I am quiet, but I learned a lot.
Bradley: How did you balance college courses, high school academics,….. and extracurricular activities?
Gownley: I participate in fewer extracurricular activities than a typical high school student because I chose to focus on this program. I learned a lot about time management and how important it is to be successful as a college student.
Bradley: How did Emma and Anna influence your decision to take college courses?
Gownley: They influenced me a lot because they scared me a little bit. They told me college classes were much harder and that I would be shocked, so I decided to get a head start. I am thankful they pushed me.
Bradley: Why should more Lourdes students participate in the program?
Gownley: It is a rare opportunity to earn college credits in high school. Being in a college setting helped me build confidence by learning alongside students of different ages. It also saves a lot of money and helps you build useful skills.
Bradley: How does it feel to be the first Lourdes student to graduate with an associate degree?
Gownley: I am very proud because it wasn’t easy. It shows that you can take advantage of great opportunities, and I hope it inspires others.
Gownley and the Class of 2027 will graduate May 20, 2027, in the Lee E. Korbich Memorial Gymnasium on the Our Lady of Lourdes campus.
Those interested in learning more about the early college partnership may contact Emma Gownley, assistant high school principal, at Emma.Gownley@lourdesregional.org.
Editor’s note: Bridget Bradley, a junior in the Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School media program, wrote this article, and Brian M. Christiana, director of media and communications, edited it.
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