LRCC’s Early College program is more than just a pathway to earning college credits while still in high school — it’s also a community of learners and educators. Few stories capture that better than the connection between veteran teacher Jim Sitomer and his former Early College student, now fellow teacher, Richard Burnham.
Sitomer, a math teacher at Kingswood Regional High School, has been teaching Early College courses for nearly two decades. He enjoys giving students the chance to graduate high school with college credits, saving them money and building confidence for the future. “It’s a great opportunity,” he says. “Between AP classes and Early College, students can leave high school with more than a semester’s worth of credits, and that can make a tremendous difference.”
Among the many students who passed through his classroom, Burnham stood out to Sitomer. “Richard has always been exceptional, and his students are lucky to have him guiding them in their high-level classes.”
For Burnham, what began as a chance to advance his education and earn college credits has turned into a lifelong commitment to teaching. Burnham, now a math teacher at Moultonborough Academy, credits LRCC’s Early College program with setting him on the path to his career.
As a student at Kingswood Regional High School, Burnham enrolled in accounting, personal finance, and statistics through the Early College program. “Taking statistics and other courses through LRCC in high school was the first time I experienced a true college-level math course,” Burnham recalls. “The pacing, expectations, and depth of thinking required pushed me to become more independent as a learner. It taught me how to manage college-style deadlines, communicate mathematical reasoning clearly, and advocate for myself when I needed help.”
That early exposure left him well prepared to pursue a degree in Math Education at the University of New Hampshire. “I walked into my first math courses with confidence because I already knew what college-level rigor felt like. Having earned actual college credit gave me a sense of accomplishment and made the transition feel less intimidating,” he said.
For the past seven years, Burnham has taught Early College statistics at Moultonborough Academy, recently adding precalculus to his offerings. He now works with Sitomer, the very instructor who first introduced him to college-level math. “Working alongside the same statistics instructor I had in high school has been surreal but incredibly meaningful,” Burnham said. “Jim was the one who introduced me to college-level math and showed me how powerful data could be. Now to be teaching the same course and collaborating with him as a colleague feels like everything has come full circle. It continually reminds me of how powerful good teaching can be and how the right mentor can change the direction of a student’s life.” The two still connect regularly, not only through teaching but also as coaches of their school’s math teams.
Burnham believes the Early College program offers high school students the chance to experience college-level expectations while still having the support of their school environment. “It helps them build confidence, develop stronger academic and time-management skills, and earn credits that can ease their transition into college,” he explains.
For Sitomer, seeing Burnham’s journey is deeply rewarding. It’s a clear example of how the program helps students gain academic advantages and the determination to pursue ambitious paths. Burnham’s success story is echoed by many others who reach out to Sitomer, sharing updates about new jobs, career milestones, and gratitude for the opportunities Early College provided.
Both educators agree that the program is transformative. Burnham says, “The Early College program is more than just a way to earn college credit. It’s an opportunity for students to discover their potential, build independence, and gain confidence in their abilities. It sets them up for success in college and beyond while giving them experiences that can shape their future in meaningful ways.”
Sitomer encourages students to prepare in advance so they can take advantage of the program. “Make sure you meet the prerequisites to take the Early College classes. And challenge yourselves!” Burnham, once the student who did just that, now embodies the program’s promise. His journey shows how Early College helps shape futures in ways that impact the community for years to come.