July 13, 2026

When Scarlett Pruitt started taking dual enrollment classes as a sophomore at East Forsyth High School, she did not know exactly where her future would lead. What she did know was that she loved learning and wanted to make smart choices for her education. After graduating, Scarlett chose Forsyth Tech over a four-year university. “I wanted to save money while I figured out what I really wanted to do,” she explains.

That decision has paid off. Today, Scarlett balances a full course load with two retail jobs while staying active on campus. The flexibility of Forsyth Tech’s online classes has made it possible to work, earn excellent grades and still build meaningful connections with professors and classmates. Scarlett is now on track to graduate this December—earlier than expected—and plans to transfer to UNC Greensboro to study Hospitality Management. Scarlett’s love of travel inspired her career goals. Having already visited 27 countries, she hopes to work in tourism or the airline industry after completing her bachelor’s degree. 

“I really appreciate the flexibility of online classes. The flexibility lets me do everything.”

Scarlett’s connection to Forsyth Tech runs deep. Both of her parents attended the college, making her educational journey part of a family tradition. Her father, Dustin Pruitt, continued his education after Forsyth Tech, earning a master’s degree in health administration. Today, he serves as a project manager at the college while pursuing another master’s degree in architecture—a testament to the lifelong value of learning.

Scarlett recently shared her story with the Forsyth Tech Foundation Board as part of a Mission Moment, giving community partners a firsthand look at the impact their support has on students. Reflecting on her experience speaking to the Foundation Board, Scarlett was impressed to see how committed the board was to creating opportunities for students and is even more excited to be a part of Forsyth Tech as a result.

For Scarlett, choosing Forsyth Tech was not just a practical decision; it was continuing a legacy of education and opportunity. With hard work, careful time management, and a clear vision for the future, Scarlett is proving that sometimes the best path is the one that gives you room to discover where you are meant to go.