E’leese Shelton, a remarkable 12-year-old African-American girl from Tallahassee, Florida, has made national headlines by graduating from high school at such a young age. Her journey showcases her extraordinary academic abilities and the unwavering support of her family and community.
From an early age, E’leese demonstrated exceptional skills. According to her mother, Danrell Shelton, E’leese’s talent was evident when she was just two years old. “I got her a LeapFrog tablet, and we didn’t realize she was self-taught until it was guiding her through uppercase and lowercase letters. She knew it all without any formal teaching,” Danrell Shelton explained.
By the age of three, E’leese could read, and by four, she was solving math problems with ease. These early signs of brilliance set the stage for her to graduate from high school at just 12 years old.
Reflecting on her achievement, E’leese shared with WDBJ7, “It’s just kind of surreal. I believe it’s mostly because of my support system, like my friends, my mom, my church community.” This strong foundation helped her excel academically and achieve this milestone.
E’leese’s academic achievements continue a family legacy of excellence. Her older brother, E’ven Shelton, graduated high school at 16, and their friendly rivalry pushed E’leese to set her own remarkable goals. “She told him that she was going to outdo him,” their father, Fred Shelton, shared. “So she stuck to her word.”
E’ven, proud of his sister’s accomplishment, expressed his joy, 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.”
Looking ahead, E’leese intends to begin her higher education at Tallahassee Community College and then transfer to Florida State University. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatrician, and she aims to start medical school by the time she is 16 or 17 years old. “I feel excited to go on and embrace that journey,” E’leese said, embodying the spirit of ambition and resilience.
E’leese’s story not only inspires but also highlights the boundless potential within every young mind when nurtured with love and support. Her achievements serve as a testament to the power of determination, intelligence, and a robust support system.
In a heartwarming and inspiring story from Monroe, Louisiana, six-year-old Taurian Collins is defying the odds and breaking barriers. This first-grader, affectionately known as “Chunk,” has been accepted into Mensa, the prestigious high IQ society, a testament to his extraordinary intellectual abilities. Taurian’s journey to this remarkable achievement is a story of resilience, determination, and unbounded potential.
Taurian’s path to Mensa was not without its challenges. As a toddler, he struggled with hearing issues that significantly impacted his speech development. His mother, Jessica Collins, recalls, “He wasn’t really talking. I don’t think he was saying 10 words.” Concerned about her son’s delayed speech, Jessica sought medical advice, leading to a pivotal diagnosis and treatment.
Doctors discovered that Taurian needed surgery to remove his adenoid glands and place tubes in his ears. Prior to the surgery, Taurian’s hearing was severely compromised, making everything sound muffled, akin to hearing underwater. This condition also affected his speech, making it difficult for him to communicate effectively. However, the surgery was a turning point. Within three months, Taurian experienced a significant improvement in his hearing and speech. “He has not stopped talking since,” his mother proudly shared.
Even before starting school, Taurian displayed signs of remarkable intelligence. By the age of two, he was already reading, an incredible feat considering his earlier hearing problems. His mother recalls the moment she realized her son’s extraordinary abilities: “I called him into the room and said, ‘Hey, can you read this to me and tell me what it says?’ And he did, effortlessly.” Click here to read more about Taurian Collins.
