14-year-old earns MU High diploma

A 14-year-old Joplin student will graduate from University of Missouri-Columbia High School today.

Scott Thuong used the school’s online courses to supplement his education at Thomas Jefferson Independent School in Joplin. To qualify for an MU High School diploma, students must complete at least five online courses.

Scott plans to major in math and computer science this fall at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, where he’s earned a full-ride scholarship. He eventually plans to apply to Harvard University or another Ivy League school to earn a doctorate and become a math researcher.

Although the youngest graduate this year, he’s not the youngest ever to graduate. In 2002, a 13-year-old Australian student completed the program, said Alicia Bixby, an MU High School counselor.

Scott is among 16 MU High students scheduled to participate in graduation ceremonies at 2 p.m. today in Memorial Union on the MU Campus. Ninety students are earning diplomas from MU High this year, but many don’t plan to attend commencement, Bixley said.