Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Accelerated Career program has empowered Logan Knight to pursue a career path in information technology after overcoming brain cancer.
Logan Knight, 18, and his twin sister, Ella, are seniors at Model High School in Rome. He participates in GNTC’s Accelerated Career program, which allows eligible high school students to fast-track their education by simultaneously earning a high school diploma and a minimum of either two technical certificates of credit (TCCs), a diploma or an associate degree.
“Logan and I lived in Atlanta for about a year while he received treatment. We pulled him out of school because of the complications he developed from the treatments,” said Menta Knight, his mother. “Without the Accelerated Career program, Logan would probably have been held back a year or withdrawn from school and gotten his High School Equivalency.”
Logan Knight was a high school freshman when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in November 2022, Menta Knight said. Medulloblastoma affects the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination, balance and movement.
He is in remission following the completion of treatment in August 2023. His walk and balance have improved significantly in the interim. Once relying on a wheelchair, he now walks independently; however, he remains at high risk for relapse, his mother explained.
“Logan is doing what he needs to do to continue improving,” Menta Knight said. “When he returned to high school his sophomore year, his goal was to graduate with his sister. Our goal became making that happen, so we investigated the Accelerated Career program, which offered the Cybersecurity pathway.”
Both siblings were taking some Dual Enrollment and honors classes when Logan Knight was diagnosed, she said. Ella Knight continued her education while her brother received treatment.
“Logan knew in the sixth grade that he wanted to pursue a career in computers. This program ended up being a blessing,” Menta Knight said.
“I’d been interested in computers for a long time and built my own computer in eighth grade,” Logan Knight said. “I didn’t know when I would finish school. The Accelerated Career program allowed me to graduate on time and not fall behind in school. The program could speed up graduation for other students.”
Logan Knight said he has enjoyed learning about the physical and digital aspects of computers and how one affects the other.
“I’ve enjoyed the in-person classes at GNTC because you can ask questions more easily than you can online, and I’ve really liked my instructors,” Logan Knight said.
Logan Knight has earned four TCCs at GNTC in Cybersecurity: CompTIA A+ Certified Preparation, CompTIA A+ Certified Technician Preparation, Cybersecurity Fundamentals and PC Repair and Network Technician, said Kristi Hart, director of High School Initiatives at GNTC.
He said he will graduate at GNTC’s Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 7; he and his sister will graduate from Model High School on May 22. Logan Knight will graduate from high school with honors while his sister will graduate with high honors.
“When Ella graduates, she will have completed 30 semester credit hours in General Education transferable credits and will have earned our Early College Essentials certificate,” Hart said.
Ella Knight said she plans to pursue her associate degree in Graphic Design at Georgia Highlands College, adding that Dual Enrollment has enabled her to complete about half the classes she will need to complete that degree. After completing her associate degree, she will transfer to another college to complete her bachelor’s degree, with a minor in Animation.
“I’m so excited to start college,” Ella Knight said. “I feel very prepared, and all of the instructors at GNTC in-person and online have been amazing.”
Logan Knight plans to earn his associate degree in Computer Support Specialist at GNTC. He said he is still exploring in which area of Information Technology he would like to make his career.
“I think it shows a true strength of character for Logan to remain focused on his education,” Hart said. “His perseverance to stay the course and graduate with his twin sister and his class is absolutely inspirational.”
Both siblings said they would highly recommend Dual Enrollment as a good way for students to explore potential career options and to see if they are up to the challenge.
“Logan has succeeded more than we thought he would when he was diagnosed,” Menta Knight said. “He is a beacon of hope to other kids who are diagnosed with cancer.”
She and her husband, Michael, are grateful to the Accelerated Career program for helping their son to realize his academic goals.
“The program is a great opportunity for students who are at risk of dropping out or who struggle in school to find a career, trade or marketable skill set,” Menta Knight said. “This program helps put students back on the right track.” Georgia Northwestern Technical College delivers high-quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a wide range of career pathways, including aviation, business, health, industrial and public service. Over the past year, 14,082 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college has an annual credit enrollment of 9,342 students and achieved a 100 percent placement rate. An additional 4,740 individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start® programs.