Smith graduates with honors
Dawson Smith, 18, is the son of North Alabama Electric Cooperative fiber technician Kirkland Smith Jr. and Jonell Brooks.
He is the first student in the history of North Jackson High School to earn his associate degree from Northeast Alabama Community College while completing his high school studies. He has also completed the necessary courses to receive Google IT Certification in December 2020. He will graduate from high school and also receive his AAS degree in computer information systems this month.
Dawson is a member of Willow Street Baptist Church, where he plays guitar with the praise and worship team. During his free time, he enjoys skateboarding; biking; playing video games; coding; playing guitar, bass, and drums; and writing and recording music.
Following graduation, Dawson plans to complete his transfer degree for engineering at NACC. He has been accepted to The University of Alabama in Huntsville and was awarded the UAH Academic Recognition Scholarship. While attending UAH, Dawson plans to pursue a degree in either engineering or information systems, with a concentration in cybersecurity.
Dawson’s activities and clubs include:
- The National Beta Club
- The National Society of High School Scholars
- Sigma Kappa Delta, at both the high school and college levels
- Mu Alpha Theta, at both the high school and college levels
- Phi Theta Kappa, at both the high school and college levels
- NJHS Track Team, grades 9 to 12