Graduation was double special for Phil Campbell High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian Mary Elizabeth Fisher, who not only graduated from Phil Campbell, but also earned an Associate in Science degree from Northwest Shoals Community College days before she received her high school diploma.
Fisher, the daughter of Ben and Tina Fisher, is a perfect example of the benefits of dual enrollment classes offered by NWSCC through Franklin County Schools. She was also part of the college’s Upward Bound Phil Campbell Project.
When Fisher attends Calhoun Community College this fall, she’ll only need one year to complete the prerequisite courses before applying to pharmacy schools at Samford University and Union University.
Her plan is to complete her education in four years before attaining her career goal of becoming a pharmacist. And if you look at Fisher’s track record of success, there’s little reason to doubt she’ll accomplish every career goal she sets.
Fisher is a living billboard for how dual enrollment courses can help a high school student immeasurably. And when combined with the Upward Bound Program, which provides high school students invaluable resources including tutoring, free college courses and cultural experiences, Fisher is well on her way to filling her first prescription.
“All the things you do in Upward Bound, like receiving tutoring, learning about school options, cultural experiences and taking college courses at no cost, it all helps the future of each student,” Fisher said. “I was already taking dual enrollment classes and wanted to continue taking those, and (Upward Bound) paid for two additional dual enrollment courses.”
She started Upward Bound her sophomore year and the program also has a summer component.
“I would tell younger students in high school it’s a great opportunity not only to get some of your schooling paid for, but also to meet other people,” Fisher said of Upward Bound. “I joined with students from all different Franklin County Schools. It wasn’t just support for school in and out of class with tutoring, it gave me some important cultural experiences through the field trips we took. It allowed me to do things most high school students never do. Last year, we went to Nashville to see the Christmas Polar Ice sculptures and that was really cool. I watched my first-ever ballet in Birmingham, all while meting new people who are also trying to help their own futures.”
Sherry Campbell, Program Manager of Upward Bound, said Fisher epitomizes what the program is all about.
“Mary Beth’s story is an incredible example of how dedication, perseverance and access to educational opportunities can change lives. We are proud of her achievements and can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future,” Campbell said.
When it comes to academics, Fisher had a good role model in her older brother, who attended the University of Alabama.
“I always looked up to him and wanted to make good grades like he has,” Fisher said. “My parents always encouraged me to do well in school, and to do as much as I can with school activities, while also keeping my grades up.
I made the decision to take dual enrollment classes and earn my Associates Degree. I wasn’t pushed by anyone to do that. There were plenty of times I wanted to do it, but also plenty of times I thought I wouldn’t be able to, but I found a way through it with the support of my family and teachers.”
Fisher’s academic honors at Phil Campbell comprise a long list, as you might imagine. She earned the American Chemical Society Award, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at NWSCC, vice president of her senior class, a member of Future Business Leadres of America, the National Honor Society and the Roots Project, a program she created as as service project to provide companionship to elderly residents in assisted living facilities.
Her service efforts were recognized at the state level, including placing in the FBLA State Competition for her service project. She’s volunteered her time to Students Against Destructive Decisions, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America along with several other community outreach programs.
Fisher is also a good athlete. She played varsity volleyball, basketball and golf for the Bobcats, on top of her other time commitments.
And she now has an Associates Degree along with her high school diploma, with plenty more academic pursuits to come. Not bad for a first-generation college student who learned at a young age to challenge herself while never forgetting to help others.
