Mt. Healthy H.S. salutatorian is Cincy State Upward Bound & CCP student

Vivian Willis, a 4-year participant in Cincinnati State’s Upward Bound program at Mt. Healthy High School, was the co-salutatorian of her class and spoke at the high school graduation ceremony on May 14, 2021.

Vivian was interviewed in March by WCPO-TV in a profile of her success as a star student athlete in soccer and softball who maintained high grades while also involved in band and several school clubs.

Vivian will be attending Mt. St. Joseph University in fall on an academic scholarship, where she will major in nursing and play on the soccer team.

Because of her Cincinnati State College Credit Plus (CCP) classes, Vivian will start at Mt. St. Joe with 30 college credits.

Allyson Knue, Cincinnati State Upward Bound Academic Specialist at Mt. Healthy H.S., said, “Vivian was incredibly involved in her high school activities but always maintained active engagement with Upward Bound.”

“As a senior, Vivian set an example for her classmates by prioritizing school, openly seeking support and guidance, and always being willing to share what she learned.”

Vivian said that following a counselor’s recommendation to pursue CCP classes was “the best option or suggestion I could have taken.”

“I feel that college will be much easier for me, because I am better prepared as a result of CCP classes and my demanding sports,” she added.

Vivian said her Upward Bound experience also contributed to her success. “It is such a family environment and I have enjoyed every year in the program,” she said.

Vivian’s advice for other high school students who want to succeed in high school and beyond is, “Stay focused, do your thing, and take as many CCP classes as possible!”

(Photo and background information provided by Regina Livers, Director, College Access Programs)