Grace Dunn’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery. A student at Spotsylvania High School and Germanna Community College, Grace is preparing to graduate with not only her high school diploma but also her associate degree—a feat that seemed nearly impossible just a few years ago.
The summer after her sophomore year, Grace was hit with her first major roadblock. She’d hoped to enroll in Germanna’s Gladys P. Todd Early College program, an opportunity that would allow her to graduate high school with an associate degree.
But when she found out she wasn’t eligible to apply, disappointment settled in.
"At first, I was crushed," Grace admits. "It felt like a huge opportunity had been taken away from me. But then I realized—I didn’t have to give up on my goal. I just had to find another way to make it happen."
At just 15, Grace took the leap into college-level coursework, enrolling in online dual enrollment courses at Germanna.
And for her, it was an overwhelming adjustment—balancing high school classes while learning to navigate the rigors of college academics. Deadlines loomed larger, expectations were higher, and the self-discipline required was immense.
But Grace, undeterred, pressed forward. She found herself drawn to the challenge, thriving in the independence and structure that college courses demanded.
As Grace continued her studies, she became more ambitious. What started as an attempt to simply earn a few extra credits turned into a full-fledged mission. She was determined to complete her associate degree on her own terms.
By the summer before her senior year, a realization dawned on her—she might actually be able to make it happen.
That’s when Grace reached out to Cara Ballard, the career advisor at Spotsylvania High School, who would become a crucial part of her journey.
With Mrs. Ballard’s guidance, Grace was officially on track to graduate with her associate degree alongside her high school diploma.
"Mrs. Ballard was a lifesaver," Grace says. "She believed in me when I doubted myself and helped me put all the pieces together. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without her."
But the road to success wasn’t without its obstacles. This past fall proved to be one of the most challenging seasons of Grace’s journey so far.
She encountered a string of “no’s,” setbacks that tested her patience and resolve. She was also forced to advocate for herself in ways she never had before, while simultaneously facing the typical pressures of being a teenage girl—navigating friendships, mental health struggles, and the everyday chaos of high school life.
Despite the hardships, Grace looks back on her journey with an overwhelming sense of pride. And while she put in the work, she acknowledges she didn’t do it alone. Her parents, her brother and his wife, and Mrs. Ballard stood by her side, offering unwavering support and encouragement when she needed it most.
"My family has been my rock," she says. "They kept me going, even when I felt like I couldn’t take another step. Having them believe in me made all the difference."
Now, as she prepares for graduation, Grace is not just celebrating an academic achievement—she’s celebrating the person she has become.