For Tristan, a 2025 graduate of Huntington High School and a proud participant in Marshall’s dual enrollment program, the Herd Academy, the future is coming fast – and he’s ready for it.
“I’ve always signed up for the most advanced options available,” Tristan said. “Taking dual credit courses gave me a head start and let me knock out some of the basics before I even started college. That means I can focus on more advanced courses sooner or even graduate early.”
Tristan began his Herd Academy journey as a high school sophomore, enrolling in a dual credit math class and quickly realizing the opportunity in front of him. Over the next two years, he completed a combination of dual credit, online and on-campus courses—building confidence, saving money and gaining valuable experience along the way.
Many high school students, and their parents, are surprised to learn how affordable dual enrollment courses can be. Some of Tristan’s classes were only $75 per semester. Others were entirely free.
“It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to earn college credit,” he said. “You’re doing the same work you’d do later, but for a fraction of the price. And you get to do it while you’re still in high school.”
But the benefits weren’t just financial. For Tristan, the courses served as an introduction to college-level academics. With user-friendly platforms and supportive instructors, the classes offered both challenge and encouragement.
“They weren’t overwhelming,” he said. “Just different.”
That early preparation paid off in a big way. Tristan was accepted into Marshall’s competitive BS/MD program, a direct path from undergraduate study to medical school. He is currently planning to pursue a career in orthopedic medicine.
“I know things can change, but right now, that’s what I’m passionate about,” he said.
While many students spend their first year adjusting to college-level academics, Tristan is already familiar with the rhythm of university life.
“You don’t feel as out of place when you’ve already taken classes, logged into the platform and met expectations,” he said.
Though Tristan’s accomplishments are his own, he comes from a family immersed in Marshall tradition.
His father, Sean Hornbuckle, is a two-time Marshall graduate and former Mr. Marshall and Student Body President who now serves as the Minority Leader in the West Virginia House of Delegates. His mother, Claire Snyder, is a former Marshall Yeager Scholar, a two-time graduate, and previously worked at the university.
Despite their strong ties to Marshall, both parents emphasized that the decision to attend Marshall was Tristan’s alone.
“We wanted him to go where he felt most comfortable and challenged,” said Sean. “Then, when the BS/MD program and scholarship opportunities came into play, Marshall made perfect sense.”
Claire added, “As a former dual credit instructor, I saw how these courses helped students explore subjects, professors and formats—both online and in person—before they graduated high school. It’s the kind of head start that builds confidence and opens doors.”
For Tristan and his family, the financial benefit was also significant.
“Tristan will enter college with 30 credit hours already completed,” Claire said. “That’s a whole year of tuition saved.”
When asked what advice they’d give other families, both parents echoed a simple message: Start early and explore the options.
“Talk to your school counselor or the Herd Academy coordinator,” Claire said. “Try just one class. It’s a no-pressure way to test the waters.”
Sean emphasized the mental readiness Herd Academy provides.
“It prepares students for the structure and responsibility of college. That kind of exposure early on is invaluable—especially for student-athletes or students in competitive academic tracks.”
As Tristan prepares to move into campus housing this fall, he’s excited to experience Marshall in a new way—this time as a full-time student.
“I’ve lived in Huntington my whole life,” he said. “But living on campus with my friends and really being part of that community—it’s a whole new chapter.”
With a clear sense of purpose, a supportive family and a head start on his academic requirements, Tristan Hornbuckle is not just stepping into his future, he’s sprinting toward it.
And for students considering the Herd Academy, Tristan has one final piece of advice: “Definitely do it. It’s worth it.”
