Left to right: Max Latka, Ray Gilley, Ivory Christianson, Lillian Wallace, Jaxon Matthess

As they prepare to walk across the stage in June to receive their high school diplomas, five students at Rock University High School (RUHS) have already achieved another significant milestone: earning an associate degree or a technical diploma from Blackhawk Technical College.

Through the partnership between Blackhawk and RUHS, which is located on Blackhawk’s Beloit-Janesville campus, these students have taken full advantage of access to college-level coursework:

• Ray Gilley, Janesville, Substance Abuse Education
• Ivory Christianson, Janesville,  Web Software Developer
• Jaxon Matthess, Janesville, Web Software Developer
• Lillian Wallace, Janesville, Criminal Justice Studies
• Max Latka, Janesville, Web Software Developer

Meet Ray

Ray first heard about Rock University High School (RUHS) through their older brother’s girlfriend, a former RUHS student. Now, as they finish high school, Ray is also graduating from Blackhawk with a technical diploma in Substance Abuse Education. They plan to either continue their education or “hop into the field with the certificate I will be getting.”

Balancing high school and college coursework was a challenge at first. 

“It feels more comfortable the more I’ve gotten used to it,” Ray said. 

They credit their RUHS teachers with helping them succeed. 

“They always found a way to help and motivate me,” they added.

Ray encourages other students to take advantage of the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. 

“It is super beneficial, and you will not end up regretting it,” he said.

Meet Ivory

Ivory said they chose RUHS during the COVID-19 pandemic because they wanted a small, in-person school. Initially, they took Blackhawk classes because they were told to, but that changed over time. 

“Eventually, I wanted more,” Ivory said, “and I went directly for my degree.”

Ivory joked that being in high school and college at the same time is “incredibly stressful.” The Blackhawk classes were challenging because they were also working on the social and leadership aspects of RUHS.

“Since I don’t have actual classes at RUHS this year, it’s a balancing act of just getting my assignments done and still being an active participant in the community,” they said. 

Through it all, they said, “I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t been incredibly supportive.”

After graduating from RUHS, Ivory will go straight into the workforce.

“I'm getting a few more hours in my job now, taking a summer job, and hopefully beginning my career path this time next year!” they said.

Meet Jaxon

Jaxon was drawn to the unique opportunity offered by RUHS: the chance to graduate high school with an associate degree from Blackhawk Technical College. 

“I have found a program at Blackhawk that I genuinely enjoy, and it has taught me a lot about programming and web development,” he said.

Balancing college coursework with high school classes hasn’t always been easy, but Jaxon believes the experience has made him a stronger student. 

“It’s definitely been challenging at times, but it’s helped me grow in how I manage my time and approach learning,” he shared.

After graduation, Jaxon plans to continue his education in cybersecurity at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Meet Lillian

Lillian chose RUHS because she saw it as the best way to get a head start on college. She recognized that it offered more opportunities than other high schools and decided to take advantage of them.

Balancing high school and college at the same time was a unique challenge, but Lillian stayed focused. 

“If you’re motivated enough to get it done, then nothing stands in your path,” she said.

Even though her Blackhawk classes included students older than her, Lillian adapted quickly. 

“I’ve been the baby in the group all my life, so it was easy for me to adapt. Most of them are just a couple years out of high school, so there isn’t a huge gap in age,” she said.

After graduation, Lillian plans to jump straight into the workforce. She rated her overall experience at Blackhawk a 10 out of 10.

“I couldn’t have asked for better instructors throughout the whole program,” she said. “They walked me through everything I needed and made the course fun. I never had any issues during my time at Blackhawk, and the instructors definitely made it memorable.”

Meet Max

For Max, being in college and high school at the same time has been both challenging and rewarding. “Stressful yet incredibly rewarding,” is how he described the experience.

His college courses through Blackhawk have been online, which made balancing responsibilities more convenient. With strong support from his parents and teachers, he’s been able to stay on track. His high school experience at RUHS also offered something different—and welcome.

“I wanted a change of pace from Craig High School, and I chose to take Blackhawk classes because I wanted to further my post-secondary education while still in high school,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Max plans to take his associate degree and head straight into the workforce after graduation.

Encouraging Words

Each RUHS student had words of encouragement for their peers considering Blackhawk classes. They agreed the experience is worth it—and that support is always available along the way.

Ray emphasized the importance of passion, encouraging students to “have fun, and make sure you are doing something that you truly love.” Ivory acknowledged the initial nerves that can come with the transition but offered reassurance: “Take a deep breath. It’s incredibly daunting at first, but there really isn’t a single person on campus that doesn’t want to see you succeed.”

Jaxon urged others not to shy away from difficult tasks. “Don’t avoid challenges,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to do difficult things because they will help you improve.”

Lillian’s advice was simple: “Just do it. If you look back in 10 years and see the opportunities you had, it will be mind-blowing. Don’t overwork yourself—have fun and stay motivated.”

Max summed it up by saying, “If you are willing to work hard, then Blackhawk classes are an amazing opportunity.”

About RUHS

Rock University High School, founded in 2014, is a School District of Janesville tuition-free public charter school located on the Blackhawk campus in Janesville. In partnership with Blackhawk, Rock University accepts ninth- through 12th-graders. Freshmen and sophomores earn core high school credits while learning about programs at the college. Juniors and seniors enroll in a program area at Blackhawk and work on earning a certificate or associate degree as they complete their remaining high school credit requirements.

Start College in High School

High school students can earn college credit through advanced standing or transcripted credit articulation agreements between Blackhawk and high schools in Rock and Green counties. High school students also can participate in the Start College Now program, which is open to juniors and seniors who have approval from their school district and meet other requirements. Learn more about the options at blackhawk.edu/startcollegenow.