Louisiana Teenager Graduates High School and College a Day Apart

PINEVILLE, La. - A Louisiana teenager is proving that hard work, sacrifice, and determination can pay off in a big way.

In an incredible achievement out of Central Louisiana, one Rapides Parish student managed to graduate from college and high school in less than 24 hours. As a matter of fact, he actually graduated from college before graduating from high school.

Louisiana Teen Earns College Degree Before High School Diploma

Most students are worried about finishing high school exams before summer break, but Dillon McTernan Jr. was balancing both high school and college coursework at the same time.

According to KALB, 18-year-old Dillon McTernan Jr. earned his college degree from Louisiana State University of Alexandria before walking the graduation stage at Tioga High School less than 24 hours later.

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The Rapides Parish teen reportedly began taking high school classes while still in middle school and started college courses during his freshman year. That fast-track academic path helped him graduate from LSUA with a degree in pre-med biology before officially finishing high school.

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Rapides Parish Student Overcame Major Challenges

McTernan became emancipated at just 16 years old after his father was deployed with the Louisiana Army National Guard. The difficult decision allowed him to remain in Pineville and continue pursuing his education goals.

McTernan's father tells KALB "That’s a really hard decision, and it didn’t come lightly. I think any parent would understand that statement. But I knew the capabilities of my son."

LSUA Graduate Already Planning Medical Career

The new LSUA graduate hopes to eventually become an anesthesiologist, inspired by a medical experience he had when he was younger. On top of that, he’s already been serving in the Louisiana Army National Guard for nearly a year.

READ MORE: Fight Breaks Out at Louisiana High School Graduation Ceremony

Earning a college degree is impressive. Graduating high school is a milestone. Doing both within a single 24-hour stretch is something most people can barely imagine.

Read more at KALB.com.