Lexie Jones, a high school student in Alabama, is graduating at the age of 15, making history as not only the youngest graduate but also the youngest valedictorian.
Jones, a student at Thompson High School, will be going to the University of Alabama in the fall, where she will be majoring in marketing, according to WBRC News. At a young age, she skipped kindergarten, and last year, after having a talk with her counselor, she found out that she could graduate early.
The Alabama teen had no plans of graduating early but “just kind of took that opportunity” and has since not regretted it, she told WBRC News. Her last weeks in high school have been tough, though, as she prepares to graduate by studying for her AP test and her final exams, among other things. These responsibilities have not however stopped her from socializing with her friends.
“These last few weeks have kind of been more stressful than others. It’s been a little bit more studying, but out of school, I have been seeing my friends more,” explained the 15-year-old who advised those willing to follow in her footsteps never to forget the need to make time for themselves.
Jones’ feat comes after 16-year-old LeAnna Roberts made waves recently after reports that she is preparing to graduate with the highest distinction from the University of Alabama.
Though her journey through college was interspersed with challenges, she managed to pull through them all with admirable courage and optimism, holding several executive positions in multiple honor societies, which gave her a balanced and well-rounded university experience.