These area high school seniors are receiving an early start pursuing their nursing degrees by participating in the Dual Enrollment Practical Nursing Program offered at East Central Community College in Decatur. Students enrolled in the state-funded program are able to take practical nursing courses free of charge on the Decatur campus while also attending their senior year in high school. Successful students are able to complete the program by the end of the fall semester of their freshman year in college. Participants and their respective high schools include (seated from left) Alice Pinkston, Union; Shelby Scarbrough, Newton County; Jamie Jones and D’Angela Lang, both of Newton; and (standing from left) LaFera Holt, Philadelphia; Cassie Clearman, Newton County; Todd Johnson, Forest; Chelsey Griffin, Newton County; and Shamaine Jones, Newton. Instructors are Theresa Cole, Alicia Gatlin and Melanie Pinter. For more information, contact Dr. Betsy Mann, dean of healthcare education, 601-635-2111 or call toll free, 877-462-3222, ext. 294.