Flour Bluff Hornets knighted as Vikings

A new partnership between Flour Bluff High School and Del Mar College called the Viking Academy Program aims to get more students earning college credit.

David Freeman, Flour Bluff ISD superintendent, said at a news conference Feb. 20 the program will be the first of its kind for Del Mar and the Flour Bluff district. The Viking Academy Program will allow students to earn as many as 42 core college credits while in high school. 

Mark Escamilla, president of Del Mar College, joined Freeman at the news conference at Flour Bluff High School.

“We know the positive impact these opportunities can have on a student’s future,” Escamilla said.

“To our Flour Bluff parents I want to add that the cost of Del Mar College’s dual credit courses remain at $99.99 per three-hour course. Those prices have remained steady for the past five years,” Escamilla said. “We are giving back to those who have given to us; those investments will be responded with and for that reason right there all of your investment has made this is our way of giving back and investing back in our future right here.”

Freshman participants will be bused to Del Mar‘s East Campus, according to Escamilla, who added he hopes to help as many who qualify for the program and that it will be mimicked by other schools.

James Crenshaw, principal of Flour Bluff High School, called the program a great opportunity.

“This student body over and over has proven to me that given the opportunity to excel these students can, and these students will prove every day that they can do it,” Crenshaw said. 

According to Crenshaw, going to Del Mar enabled him to work his way through as a meat cutter to become a principal. 

“My heart has a warm place for Del Mar. I’m proud to be a Del Mar Viking,” Crenshaw said.

Judah Lewis, a 17-year-old at Flour Bluff, prefers college-level work because it is more challenging.

“It’s another really good opportunity for other students to have and get ready for the next step,” Lewis said.

According to Lewis, for those interested in the Viking Academy Program, it will help with boosting GPA and preparing students for college. 

Sixteen-year-old Uliana Mikhaylova said the program will provide more class opportunities and help students to potentially go to college.

“(It provides) great opportunities for students to get experience while still in high school,” Mikhaylova said.

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