Skylar Melancon, 17, of Mesa, comes from a single-parent household with two family members who are disabled. When she was 10, Skylar and her family relocated to Arizona from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina.

“Although I was only ten, this experience made me realize that you can lose a lot of things in life, like money, homes, possessions, and more,” Melancon said. “An education is something you can’t lose and no one can take away from you, not even Mother Nature.”

Melancon will receive her Associate of Arts degree six days before her she receives her high school diploma in May. She is a high school student concurrently enrolled at MCC and has split coursework between MCC, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Rio Salado Community College. Additionally, Melancon will complete her Associate of Science degree during summer session. She will have 74 credits when she enters Arizona State University as a freshman and her academic level will be as a junior.

Melancon’s major is aerospace/aeronautical engineering. After graduation she will begin her private pilot training through Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program. She has been accepted into ASU’s Pre-Aeronautical Management Technology Professional Flight Program.

Melancon said her high level of motivation comes from her family and the encouragement of Goodwill and Jewish Family & Children’s Services. She is inspired by her twin brother who has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and also attends MCC.

“Most people would say, ‘Anything is possible,’” Melancon said. “I think ‘everything is possible’ if you try hard enough and get an education. By having my family and others believe in me, I strive to do my best. I hope to never stop learning.”