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Photo courtesy of Amanda Green

(Left to right) Thomas Green and Amanda Green.

Surrounded by seniors, Amanda Green, junior, will walk across the stage of Chaifetz Arena to receive her high school diploma. She has been planning two years for this day: the day she would graduate a year early.

In order to prepare for early graduation, Amanda had to take mostly core classes her freshman and sophomore years at Salem High School in Salem, MO. When she moved to Kirkwood, Amanda took English and tutored with the A+ Program the summer of 2015. When she enrolled at KHS, she took three extra credit courses on top of her regular junior year workload.

“I am so glad to be graduating early,” Amanda said. “I first heard from a friend at [Salem High School] about graduating early. I wasn’t planning on actually applying but it worked out. It just sounded like a really good idea at the time. I don’t know why someone would want to be in high school another year, anyway.”

Amanda said Christianity has played a huge role in her life the past two years and influenced her decision to graduate early. Amanda considers her faith to be the main reason she is where she is now.

“I definitely don’t feel like I would be where I am without God,” Amanda said. “I wouldn’t be graduating early and probably wouldn’t be doing well at KHS just because I wouldn’t have any motivation. Life is a map and there is only one way to get to the destination that I am ultimately supposed to be at. God is definitely leading me there.”

Amanda is going to Missouri Baptist University. Although she is unsure about what she wants to do when she grows up, she knows it will probably have something to do with her religion.

“I have been thinking about joining a sorority, but right now I just got accepted into the honors program,” Amanda said. “My cousin is a junior at [Missouri Baptist]. I think being with her will be great. I’m super excited.”

Amanda’s mother, Amy, also attributes Amanda’s success in her education to God. She said that her religion is one her most important motivating factors.

“[God] is her number one,” Amy said. “Everything is centered around [her faith], even her graduating early. It’ll be tough [letting her go], but I am happy for her.”

Amanda’s cousin, Taylor, is also excited to spend her remaining time at Missouri Baptist University with her. Taylor thinks since moving to St. Louis, Amanda has grown in her relationship with God.

“I am extremely happy that we are going [to college] together,” Taylor said. “I couldn’t be more happy for [Amanda]. I know she is pursuing something she likes to do. We want to serve and do a mission trip together sometime. Amanda might minor in ministry and I think that is amazing. I support her 100 percent.”

Amanda’s brother, Adam, freshman, is proud of his sister for how much she has accomplished within these the past two years. When they moved to St. Louis, it really kicked in for Adam that Amanda was graduating early.

“It’s shocking, but I guess I have to accept the fact that she is growing up,” Adam said. “When [I last see her] I [will] say to her, ‘Good luck and have fun. I love you.’ I am glad, though, that she is staying at a college not too far from me.”

Adam said he sees the best in his older sister. He said she is a very hard worker and sees what she wants and does not let anything deter her from her path.

“Amanda is prideful and strong,” Adam said. “She is also very determined. If she wants to graduate early she will. And, she is.”

Amy said she feels like, as her mother, she played a purposeful role in Amanda’s life. She hopes the very best for Amanda in her future.  

“When I found out [that she was graduating early], I told her ‘go for it’,” Amy said. “[Amanda’s] always liked school and I think when she realized she was good at it, she just started taken a bite out of everything. She has grown into this great girl. I have no doubts that she is going to plow through college.”