Two Johnston students become first to graduate from DMACC before high school graduation

By Lynn Meadows and Clara Toot, JCSD Communications

JOHNSTON, Ia. (May 9, 2025) — Adonawit Meshesha and Reagan Dammeier this week became the first two Johnston students to ever receive their Associate of Arts (AA) 2-year college degree from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) while still in high school.

The two celebrated graduation from DMACC on May 7, receiving their AA degree even before graduating from Johnston High School on May 27. They were among a record number of high school students earning associate degrees through DMACC’s Career Advantage program.

“They’re an inspiration to other students,” said Dr. Jyll Johnson Miner, director of post-secondary pathways and related arts learning. “Sixty-four credits is a lot and takes huge dedication. I say it is the scholarship you give yourself.”

Starting college as juniors

 To earn a Liberal Arts AA degree, each student is required to complete 64 credits —nine in communications, nine in social and behavioral sciences, nine in math and sciences, nine in humanities, 18 in elective courses, along with 10 additional credits.

“My main inspiration for completing my Associates of Arts Degree from DMACC stems from my realization of how much time and money I could save just by dedicating myself to hard work at the moment,” Meshesha said. “Riding through all the exhilarating peaks and lowest of valleys is SO worth it!”

The students each saved two years and a total of $12,160 ($190 x 64 credits) by getting their AA degrees while still in high school. Thanks to Johnston’s offering of concurrent enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, these students had the resources to begin completing their college credits early. Johnston has 32 teachers who have met DMACC requirements to offer concurrent credit classes, which resulted in Johnston students receiving 4,455 DMACC credit hours last year.

“I took a lot of dual enrollment classes that assisted me in working towards my degree,” Dammeier said. “I only took five courses through DMACC directly. The main difference is that DMACC has a lot of variety in course options. From a rigor perspective, some DMACC classes are easier than JHS AP courses, while others are more difficult.” 

Following high school graduation, Meshesha and Dammeier both plan to attend the University of Iowa in the fall. Thanks to their AA degrees, they will enter U of I as juniors. Meshesha plans to major in biochemistry and molecular biology on a pre-medical track, while Dammeier plans to study finance and political science on a pre-law track. 

“Through the DMACC courses and Advanced Placement (AP) classes that I took in the process of obtaining a degree, I was able to learn what classes I enjoyed and what direction I wanted to go with my studies,” Dammeier said. “I also learned about how to balance a really busy schedule and the importance of studying hard to achieve goals.”

A recognized degree

While there are many degrees and certificates that students can earn at DMACC — such as in welding or to be a Certified Nursing Assistant — Meshesha and Dammeier are the first from Johnston to earn their full-fledged AA, a recognized degree, while still in high school.

They did so while being highly involved in high school, both in school and community activities. 

• Meshesha took part in HOSA: Future Healthcare Professionals, FIRST Robotics, C.O.R.E. (Community of Racial Equity), NHD (National History Day), JHS Student Ambassadors and more. She also tutored AP Chemistry students and has held two jobs for over a year now. 
• Dammeier was involved in varsity bowling, mock trial, National Honor Society and more. She also served as one of three student representatives on the Johnston school board, where she attended biweekly meetings and represented the student body.

The two students also gained experience of what it’s like to attend a college class in person. 

Miner is excited about the opportunity that DMACC provides JHS students. She said she’s met with about 162 families so far this year to share information about DMACC credit and the potential of earning an AA degree. She often talks with students and families about completing 30 credits, so students can enter college as a sophomore. Meshesha and Dammeier surpassed that by earning their AA degrees, which will allow them to enter college as juniors.

“All I truly want for myself in the future is to continue to grow as a person,” Meshesha said. “I want to continue learning about myself and this world because I believe that if we stop finding interest in the small things, life can lose its spark. I want my future self to know that I’m already so proud of her and I hope she’s proud of me.”