EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – At East St. Louis High School, Montez Holton prepared to deliver his graduation speech. He is the Valedictorian.
“My GPA is a 4.9 out of a 5.0,” Holton said.
For the last few semesters, Holton has spent little time at the high school. Instead, he’s been taking classes at Southwest Illinois College in Belleville.
He graduated with an associate’s degree a week before his high school graduation.
“Who do you know graduates college before high school?” Holton said.
Holton participated in the East St. Louis School District’s Running Start Program. Students who qualify can take classes at SWIC. The school district pays for everything, including tuition, transportation and food.
“It's taken a burden off my shoulders knowing we don't have to pay for two years of school,” Holton said.
Holton has earned more than 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor’s Degree. He is going to start Fisk University in Nashville as a junior. Holton also earned a scholarship to Fisk, which will cover tuition.
“I plan to study biology and maybe minor in communications and go off to medical school,” Holton said.
While he prepares to cross the stage at his high school graduation with two tassels on his cap, Holton said he feels confident, knowing he is well on his way to hitting every goal he’s set.
“Sky's the limit and dreams are possible,” he said.
