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Brianna (left) and Elissa (right) Zamrik celebrate following their North Myrtle Beach
High School graduation.
Elissa Zamrik (center) begins her journey at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering with a focus on mechanical engineering and robotics.
Brianna Zamrik starts her academic career at Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, majoring in Premedicine.
As the new academic year begins at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), the institution proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of two exceptional students from the Program for Accelerated College Enrollment (PACE), also known as the Dual Enrollment program. Elissa and Brianna Zamrik, twins and recent graduates of North Myrtle Beach High School (NMBHS), have embarked on their college journeys at prestigious universities, thanks to the opportunities provided by HGTC’s dual enrollment program. As the family moved their daughters into the college dorms, they reflected on their journey through the HGTC program for high school students.
Elissa Zamrik, who graduated as the valedictorian of NMBHS this year, is beginning her journey at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering with a focus on mechanical engineering and robotics. Her twin sister, Brianna Zamrik, who finished fifth in her class, is starting her academic career at Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, majoring in Premedicine. Due to her participation in the HGTC PACE program and her Advanced Placement (AP) classes—all taken on the NMBHS campus—Brianna enters college with 30 credits, positioning her as a sophomore right from the start. Brianna's outstanding academic achievements have also earned her an invitation to join a prestigious Bachelor of Science/Master of Business Administration program, a unique opportunity that reflects the high caliber of students fostered by the HGTC PACE program.
Dana Zamrik, the proud mother of Elissa and Brianna, recently expressed her gratitude to HGTC for the incredible opportunities the PACE program provided her daughters. "The PACE courses available at NMBHS not only sparked a love for learning in our twins but also paved the way for their acceptance into two of the nation's most prestigious colleges. We are immensely grateful to the guidance counselors and teachers at NMBHS and the PACE program for setting them up for success. Thanks to this partnership, our twins graduated in June with Elissa as the class valedictorian heading to Duke and Brianna starting at Penn State as a sophomore. This program has made a significant difference and served as the launching pad for their college education!"
Adding to the Zamrik family's excitement, their third child is set to begin the PACE program at NMBHS this fall, continuing the tradition of academic excellence.
HGTC President, Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, proudly commented on the success of the Zamrik twins, "Elissa and Brianna's achievements are a testament to the strength and effectiveness of our PACE program. We are committed to providing high school students with a strong foundation for their future academic and professional pursuits. The success stories of students like Elissa and Brianna inspire us to continue expanding opportunities for all young scholars in our community."
The Program for Accelerated College Enrollment (PACE) at HGTC is designed to provide high school students in Horry and Georgetown counties with access to college-level courses. Through partnerships with local school districts, HGTC enables high school juniors and seniors to earn dual credit, simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation and college degree requirements. This head start on college coursework saves students time and money and gives them a competitive edge in the college admissions process.
HGTC remains dedicated to offering comprehensive resources and support to dual enrollment students, including financial assistance through the SC Lottery Tuition Assistance program and access to free educational tools and tutoring services. The PACE program is a powerful catalyst for academic and personal growth, preparing students to excel in higher education and beyond.
HGTC currently has over 1,600 dual enrollment students registered for fall 2024.
The 2024 enrollment for high school students is up by 20% over fall 2023 and up 27% over fall 2022.
“HGTC’s Dual Enrollment programs provide high school students in Horry and Georgetown counties the opportunity to earn college credits that not only apply to HGTC certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees but also transfer to four-year institutions. We are proud of the growth we’ve seen through the years, including our newest partnerships with Carvers Bay Early College High School and Atlantic Collegiate Academy which allow HGTC to serve more high school students than ever.” said Hope Wofford, HGTC Director of Dual Enrollment.
For more information about the HGTC PACE Dual Enrollment Program, please contact Hope Wofford, Dual Enrollment Director, at 843.477.2097 or hope.wofford@hgtc.edu.