14-Year-Old From Florida Graduates From College

Keniah Washington, a 14-year-old from Tampa, Florida, has made headlines by graduating from Saint Leo University with a 3.0 GPA, earning an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. Her achievement at such a young age showcases her exceptional dedication and perseverance.

Keniah’s journey began in sixth grade at Icon Preparatory School, where she started taking high school courses online. Recognizing her potential, her teachers enrolled her in a dual-enrollment program at Saint Leo University, where she received additional support through tutoring.

Balancing a rigorous academic schedule presented challenges, particularly in managing her coursework while missing out on typical high school experiences like prom and homecoming. Keniah remained focused on her goals, understanding that her efforts to finish school early outweighed missing these events.

Her mother, Thomesha Hawkins, described the graduation ceremony as an emotional and proud moment, emphasizing the significance of Keniah’s accomplishment at such a young age. Watching her daughter walk across the stage was a profoundly moving experience.

Keniah has been accepted into nursing programs and plans to begin her studies in the fall, aiming to become a neonatologist. Her passion for helping children aligns perfectly with her career aspirations, and her family believes she will make a significant impact in the medical field.

Looking forward to her future, Keniah is excited about engaging with peers in a professional classroom setting and experiencing college life fully, including living on campus and exploring different parts of the world. Her story is a testament to determination and the support of a dedicated educational community, serving as an inspiration to other young students aspiring to reach their full potential. As she embarks on her next chapter, Keniah’s journey reminds us that extraordinary accomplishments are possible at any age.

Alena McQuarter, a 14-year-old prodigy from Texas, has shattered stereotypes and achieved remarkable milestones in her young life. From an early age, Alena has been passionate about science and determined to prove that girls of color can excel in STEM fields.

Alena’s academic journey is extraordinary. She graduated from high school at just 12 years old and became the youngest person to intern at NASA. Her internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, provided her with invaluable hands-on experience. “Being able to go to JPL and see their work on rovers and rockets was amazing,” she said, reflecting on her time there.

Currently a senior at Arizona State University (ASU), Alena will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical biological sciences and a minor in global health. She is also on track to earn a master’s degree in biological sciences in May. Her initial interest in engineering shifted to biological sciences after taking a course that sparked her passion.

Alena has been accepted into the University of Alabama’s Heersink School of Medicine but is more interested in research. She plans to pursue a doctorate in viral immunology, focusing on infectious diseases. “I want to develop solutions to increase healthcare in underrepresented communities,” she shared. Click here to read more about Alena.

Back To Top