FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 13, 2024
Jackson River Governor’s School and Mountain Gateway Community College Celebrate Student Success: Halen Lowman’s Path to Law School
Clifton Forge, Va. - Halen Lowman, a remarkable 19-year-old graduate of Alleghany High School, Jackson River Governor’s School (JRGS), and Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC), has already reached impressive academic and professional milestones. In 2023, he graduated from MGCC with both a Science and Career Studies Certificate and an Associate Degree, underscoring his dedication and drive from a young age.
Halen, along with his parents, Bruce and Tempest Lowman, collectively made the crucial decision to enroll him in the JRGS program, a challenging curriculum that integrates high school and college coursework. This decision set Halen on a trajectory of academic excellence, enabling him to accumulate more than 70 college credits by the time he graduated high school.
“I didn’t make all As in Gov. School, but it makes it a lot easier to make As now,” Halen said, reflecting on his time at JRGS. “It makes classes so much easier knowing what is expected of me.”
While at JRGS, Halen not only excelled in academics but also stood out as a baseball player and a committed member of his community.
"I played sports. I was very involved in my church, so I spent a lot of time on stuff outside of school. I had to learn how to manage my time and get my work done on time," he said.
Halen’s success in the Jackson River Governor’s School and beyond is a direct result of the unwavering support he received both at Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) and at home. His parents, Bruce and Tempest Lowman, played a central role in guiding him, constantly emphasizing the importance of accountability, hard work, and discipline. This strong foundation enabled Halen to flourish academically and personally.
Reflecting on his experience, Halen acknowledged the critical role of JRGS Director Eddie Graham and his professors, saying, “Mr. Graham was so helpful in putting us on the right track and keeping us focused. The professors were great, and they understood that we were high school students, but they treated us like we were adults.”
Halen’s parents also expressed pride in how Halen navigated this challenging path.
“We steered him academically, keeping him focused, and being hard on him,” Bruce, his father, explained. “I knew what Halen was capable of, but you never really know how a kid will handle it until they face the situation. I just couldn’t be any prouder.”
Halen’s time at JRGS also helped him forge lasting relationships and gain real-world experiences that continue to shape his life.
“It’s hard to put a price on it—the relationships Halen built, like the one with Mr. Graham,” Bruce noted. “Things like that pay dividends, and it’s not tangible.”
Looking to the future, Halen plans to graduate from Averett University in the spring of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in History and Politics. He is eager to continue his journey toward law school. As of early January, Halen has received full-ride offers from Liberty University and Appalachian School of Law, with an offer from West Virginia University pending. While his exact legal path is still taking shape, Halen hopes to become a lawyer and, eventually, a judge, deciding on his legal focus later in his career.
For families and students considering their educational options, Halen’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with hard work, discipline, and the right support.
“If you’re considering the Governor’s School, I say go for it,” Halen said. “I can give pretty much all the credit in how I’m doing right now to Gov. School.”
For parents, watching their child take on challenges and grow through new experiences can be difficult, but the rewards are great. “You have to give them a whole lot more trust at a younger age. They have to be treated as an adult, so they have to act like an adult,” Tempest, Halen’s mother, said. “The kids that go through the program… their opportunities are limitless. We see what Halen has done in such a short time, and there’s no reason these other kids couldn’t do the same.”
An additional benefit of the JRGS program is its cost-effectiveness. Thanks to the transferable credits Halen earned at MGCC, his family saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“A lot of kids go to big schools like Virginia Tech or UVA for the experience, but if you go to a smaller school that accepts all your credits, it’s way cheaper for your parents, and it’s easier to get scholarships,” Tempest explained. “Halen went to Averett University, and we’ve paid almost nothing—maybe $5,000 total for two years. He saved over $100,000 using his credits.”
Halen’s story demonstrates the incredible impact of early educational opportunities, hard work, and a supportive family. As he prepares for law school and a promising future, there is no doubt his path will continue to be one of success and achievement.
Bruce encourages others in the community to share this story and explore the opportunities available locally. “I hope Halen’s experience inspires other kids to take advantage of what’s available close by. I just wish more people knew what you can do here. Halen couldn’t have had a more perfect path.”
To learn more about Jackson River Governor’s School, please contact Director Eddie Graham at egraham@mgcc.edu, call Student Services at 540-862-2820, or speak with a school counselor.
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