Skip to Content

Georgia high school student graduates from college before receiving high school diploma


WJCL, FAMILY HANDOUT, CNN

By Kyron Neveaux

Click here for updates on this story

    SAVANNAH, Georgia (WJCL) — NeeAli Scott, a 17-year-old senior at Savannah Arts Academy, earned her college degree before walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma.   

“I really just wanted to get as much education, a college education, as I can now for free. In the state of Georgia, you get 30 credits free,” said Scott. “So that’s already half of the associate’s degree.”

Scott is getting a headstart on her education. She started with dual enrollment and decided to aim for an associate’s degree, intending to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

“Definitely, some classes gave me a little more of a challenge than others,” said Scott.

The Savannah Arts Academy senior graduated from Savannah State University with an associate of science degree nearly a month before graduating high school.

“Savannah State didn’t offer some classes at the time (but) Georgia Southern did, so I took classes from there as well,” said Scott.

Balancing high school and college wasn’t the only thing on her schedule; the 17-year-old also had a packed after-school routine.

“Then, usually, I would go to work at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, and then after that, I would usually have a dance.”

In the end game, the 17-year-old from the southside of Savannah has bigger plans once she becomes Dr. Scott

” I would like to work in an inner-city hospital and give back to the youth here in Savannah or wherever I may end up,” said Scott.

NeeAli will graduate from Savannah Arts Academy on Monday.

She has not decided where to attend school, but Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are her top options.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

CNN

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content