by Ray Gless

 

AAEC-South Mountain Senior to Graduate with Bachelor's Degree Before High School Commencement

Phoenix, AZ — Lindsay Isela Martinez, a senior at AAEC-South Mountain Early College High School, is set to achieve a rare and impressive milestone—earning her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health Science from South Mountain Community College on May 9, 2025, just 14 days before she receives her high school diploma.

Through the innovative concurrent enrollment opportunities offered by AAEC and its partnership with South Mountain Community College, Lindsay maximized her high school years by completing the college credits necessary for her degree, all while taking full advantage of AAEC’s free college tuition program.

Lindsay’s dedication to her education is matched by her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. After graduation, she plans to begin working in the behavioral health field as a case manager. She is also excited to share that she has an upcoming interview with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, a step she hopes will provide valuable field experience. Lindsay plans to apply to the PhD program in Clinical Psychology at Arizona State University this December, supported by her clinical volunteer work, research experience, and strong letters of recommendation.

As the daughter of immigrants, Lindsay draws daily inspiration from her family’s sacrifices and dreams. “They motivate me to strive for something greater,” she shares. But her journey has not been without challenges. “I’ve stumbled many times along this journey, but each setback taught me resilience. If there's one message I hope to leave with you all, it's this: failure is not the end—it's part of the path. What matters most is that you rise every time you fall."

AAEC-South Mountain is proud to celebrate Lindsay’s incredible accomplishments and wishes her continued success as she takes the next steps toward her future in behavioral health and higher education.