AMERICA | Brilliant 18-year-old friends, Dante James, Robert Staton III, and Xavier Misse have achieved remarkable success, earning their associate’s degrees from Virginia Peninsula Community College before even receiving their high school diplomas.
The three friends from Phoebus High School are proof that friends can achieve success together beyond being playmates.
James, Staton, Misse Stories and How They Did It
Their journey began through Hampton City Schools’ ACE Academy, one of 16 specialized academies designed to help students get a head start on college, career, or military paths, all tuition-free.
Within the ACE Academy, students can pursue an Associate of Science or Associate of Social Science, setting a strong foundation for higher education.
For James, Staton, and Misse, this opportunity was more than just academics; it was about discipline, faith, and vision.
“It’s a lot of work, a lot of perseverance you have to go through to get there. But I think it’s worth it,” James said. “We just threw ourselves into it and let God do the rest,” Staton III added.
”We knew the opportunities that would come if we followed through with the ACE Academy curriculum, so we pushed through to get the benefits out of it,” Misse said.
Their success reflects the growing impact of dual enrollment programs in shaping future leaders. According to ACE Academy principal, Lindsay Jackson, the program equips students with an edge:
“This allows them to leave high school and stand out from their peers,” Jackson said.
Phoebus High School principal, David Coccoli, noted that the academy’s success has sparked growing interest among students and that they now have a waitlist to enroll. As they prepare for the next phase, each young man is already looking forward to their next path.
James plans to attend Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to major in pharmaceutical sciences, with the ambitious goal of opening the first Black-owned major pharmaceutical company in America.
Robert Staton III will also attend VCU, pursuing pre-nursing with dreams of becoming a travel nurse. And Misse is heading to Louisiana State University (LSU) to study computer science and computer engineering, aiming to work for top high-tech firms.
Advising young students who are aiming for their kind of success, the three students said they should surround themselves with the right people and remain focused.
“Keep going, don’t let distractions get in your way, and surround yourself with the right people,” James said. “The right people will push you through and help you when you struggle.”
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