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12-Year-Old Prodigy Graduates High School, Prepares for College and Medical School!

Jun 18, 2024 1:51:12 PM

by Lisa Hollenbach

12-Year-Old Prodigy Graduates High School, Prepares for College and Medical School!
2:08

E’leese Shelton, a remarkable 12-year-old, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by graduating high school and heading to college, setting a new benchmark for young academic achievers.

E’leese graduated from Tallavana Christian School, a small private school in Havana, Florida, on May 23. Starting ninth grade at just nine years old, she completed four years of high school coursework by 12.

Early Signs of Genius

E’leese’s exceptional skills were apparent from the age of two. Her mother, Danrell, recounted how E’leese taught herself to read using a LeapFrog tablet. “We didn’t realize she knew all of it until the tablet instructed her on letters, both uppercase and lowercase,” Danrell shared. “I did not teach her any of it. She just had the LeapFrog, and she knew it.” By age three, E’leese was reading; by four, she was solving basic math equations. Recognizing her daughter’s potential, Danrell had E’leese tested and advanced her to high school classes after she excelled in elementary and middle school exams.

Family of Achievers

Academic excellence seems to run in the Shelton family. E’leese’s older brother, E’ven, graduated high school at 16. Their friendly rivalry fueled E’leese’s determination to surpass her brother’s achievement. “She told him that she was going to outdo him,” their father, Fred Shelton, recalled. “So she stuck to her word.”

E’ven expressed immense pride in his sister’s accomplishment, saying, “The best thing that you could hope for somebody that you love is for them to do something better than you. That’s just what we hope for the next generation.”

Bright Future Ahead

This fall, E’leese will start her college journey at TCC, with plans to transfer to FSU to major in chemistry. She hopes to start medical school by 16 or 17 and eventually become a pediatrician.

E’leese Shelton’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with talent, determination, and a robust support system. Her story will undoubtedly inspire many as she reaches for the stars.

Read more about E'leese and her journey here. 

 

 

 

Lisa Hollenbach

Lisa Hollenbach is Senior Digital Manager for Education Post. Prior to joining Education Post, Lisa developed digital and content strategy for Teaching Channel. She served on the Bill and Melinda Gates Teacher Advisory Council from 2014-2017 and was active in the planning and execution of several Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching (ECET2) convenings at both the regional and national level. Lisa attended both private and public schools in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and holds a bachelor’s in secondary education social studies, a bachelor’s in public policy, a minor in women's studies and a master’s in community psychology and social change. A former educator, Lisa taught for more than 15 years in both traditional public school and public charter school settings. She also served as a leader of her local and regional teachers association from 2001-2016. Lisa has worked with several universities throughout her career and is currently an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania State University, teaching courses in sociology, psychology, education and their intersections. She is passionate about helping education advocates share their stories and creating an equitable education system that serves all students.

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