Ace Magee reflects on teen fatherhood, postsecondary success

At 14, Ace Magee became a father. Now, he is preparing to graduate high school with enough credits to graduate from college, thanks to a long-standing partnership between Hazard Community & Technical College (HCTC) and Breathitt County Schools, known as the Next Generation Academy.

"It was a different experience. It was a mix of a lot of emotions, definitely a big adjustment," he said about becoming a father. "I was scared, nervous and excited at the same time."

Kashton Maxwell Magee is two, soon to be three, and named after his grandfather, Magee's dad. At eight years old, Magee lost his father, who was struggling with addiction at the time of his passing.

"I was eight when I lost my dad, and it was painful. I was living with my grandmother at the time, but I talked to him frequently. Not having him around took getting used to," he said. "Drug addiction is a disease. I'm glad my mother and brother, Blake, are in long-term recovery."

Magee said the Next Generation Academy has prepared him for life after graduation. He plans to pursue a career in nursing.

"I knew that I would be in college for a long time, so I started the program because I knew it would allow me to finish up a little sooner, with the credits I needed to transfer on or continue my education," he said. "I started with plans to be a pharmacist, but I decided to change my career plans and pursue nursing at HCTC."

Magee said his son guided the decision.

"What I do in my career, the direction I go with my future, is to give him the best life possible. He is a big reason why I decided to pursue nursing," he said. "If I had pursued pharmacy, I would have been away from him a lot over six years. HCTC will allow me to find a good-paying job and learn close to home and him."

He is a steadfast supporter of his community and volunteers in multiple capacities. He currently serves on the Breathitt County Community Foundation Board and plays the guitar every Sunday at Hampton and Wolverine United Methodist Churches.

"I was raised in church, attending youth events and going on Sundays. Through my faith, I've always been close to God," he said. "I've been saved for many years, and I'm trying to grow continually. Through my faith, I've been able to overcome all the challenges of my life, always having God as an anchor."

Magee encouraged any students interested in dual credit to pursue it.

"Definitely do it. It's set up so that no matter what you go into, you'll have something that helps you," he said. "During the last semester, you may want to adjust your courses depending on your career plans."

Magee is currently earning his nurse aide credential and plans to begin HCTC's nursing program in the Fall of 2025 upon future admission. He plans to earn his bachelor's and master's degrees later from Eastern Kentucky University.

"I feel that Next Generation Academy has better equipped me to face the challenges of college and my career path," Magee said. "I want to spend my future in Appalachia, working to help people in our region. That's what this is all about for me. I want people to succeed and do the best they can."

To learn more about dual credit opportunities at HCTC, visit the Kentucky Community & Technical College System Dual Credit webpage or call Director Jama Griffie at (606) 487-3203 or email jama.napier@kctcs.edu.