Camila Alcantara Perez, an 18-year-old Early College STEM Academy student, will serve as the student speaker at Madison Area Technical College’s 2026 Spring Commencement ceremony on May 15 at the Alliant Energy Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum, according to a May 6 announcement.
Alcantara Perez’s selection highlights the opportunities available through local partnerships that allow high school students to earn college credits while completing their graduation requirements. The Early College program enabled her to accumulate about 70 college credits and finish an associate degree by the time she graduates from Verona Area High School. “Everyone’s human. There’s no harm in being yourself,” Alcantara Perez said. “Take life lightly because you can move on from everything.”
Her journey into higher education began when a high school advisor suggested she consider Madison College’s program, which offers affordable pathways for students seeking postsecondary credentials. She quickly became active in campus life and developed strong connections within the community at Madison College’s Truax campus.
Inspired by a personal injury experience as a teenager, Alcantara Perez plans to pursue physical therapy so she can offer patients more personal care than she received herself. Her part-time work with UW Health and participation in a research-based internship through a partnership with Maydm further solidified her career aspirations.
Lazaro Enriquez, Manager of the Early College STEM Academy, said: “Camila adds so much value to the STEM Academy and Madison College. Her accomplishments, including earning an associate degree by high school graduation, demonstrate her dedication and commitment. Equally impressive is the positive energy Camila brings to every space.” Enriquez also pointed out her kindness and thoughtfulness as key strengths for representing her class.
After commencement, Alcantara Perez plans to travel before attending University of Wisconsin–La Crosse this fall as part of its pre-physical therapy program. She will enter as a late sophomore or early junior due to credits earned at Madison College. “You are running your own race,” she said.
Madison Area Technical College extends its educational reach across south-central Wisconsin; it is affiliated with the Wisconsin Technical College System and offers more than 190 academic programs along with online options and study abroad opportunities—all designed for practical training in state-of-the-art facilities—according to the official website. Dr. Jennifer Berne serves as president of Madison Area Technical College in collaboration with its District Board of Trustees.
