Senior makes history at Eaton High School by earning two associate degrees

Clay Martin is making history by advancing his college education while enrolled in high school. 

Martin is the first student from Eaton High School — which opened in 2015 — to graduate with two associate degrees from Tarrant County College (TCC). Through the school’s accelerated program and partnership with TCC, Martin has completed enough courses to secure two individual degrees in kinesiology and general education prior to receiving his high school diploma.

“I sacrificed a lot of weekends and other activities to go to class,” said Martin. “It was a lot of late nights of studying, but I am excited to see what the future holds.”

As a true student-athlete and member of the Eagles’ baseball team, Martin’s coaches were flexible with his schedule, knowing he was heavily involved in earning both degrees prior to graduation in May.

“I had to miss a few games, but my coaches were always supportive of my decision,” Martin said. “The biggest support came from them, my counselors, my teachers and especially from my mom.”

Martin — a 4.0 student — is undecided on what university he will be attending in the fall, but has narrowed his choices to St. Mary’s, McMurray, Wayland Baptist, Texas Tech or Dallas Baptist University. 

“Receiving my associate degrees allows me to go into college and not have to take classes twice,” said Martin. “From the financial side, this route is extremely cost-friendly. It’s been a lot of hard work balancing school, athletics and my job. But in the end, all the hard work paid off.” 

Martin has plans to major in kinesiology and become a physical therapist.