As they study together for their upcoming TCC exam, seniors Ethan and Allie Parr exchange notes and quiz each other with thoughts of early graduation keeping them motivated.

“People make it seem like it’s really hard but if you just put effort into it and do the work necessary, school becomes a lot easier,” Ethan said.

The twins, who are finishing high school in three years, are following what seems to be a family tradition.

“It didn’t surprise me at all because they have older siblings that both graduated early,” Counselor Roshea Phillips said.

A state scholarship was once awarded to students who graduated early but was canceled because of educational budget cuts.

“My brother and sister got it but they discontinued it,” Ethan said.

Allie said that though their parents are supportive and proud, they did not influence them.

“It was our decision,” Ethan said.

That choice is totally up to the individual, Phillips said.

“Each student has their own reason for wanting to graduate early,” she said.

For Ethan, the chance to get ahead in his college career was important.

“I think going into business, I have more career options,” he said.

Though the siblings said they are ready for freedom from high school, they have already made plans for the future.

“What would be my senior year I’ll go to TCC and finish out my associates (two-year degree),” Allie said. “I plan on working, going to school and eventually getting married and having a family.”

Phillips said she gives students who would like to graduate early a plan of action.

“It takes a mature person to follow through,” she said. “Some students are not quite there.”

Ethan said initially the plan seemed challenging because it took up his whole summer.

“The main struggle was doubling up on classes last year in order to have the right credits I needed, but overall it was an easy process,” he said.

Both siblings admit they have worked together in certain subjects.

“We help each other (in) the classes we struggle in,” Ethan said.

Allie said she feels a part of both the junior and senior classes.

“For the most part, the people I hang around with are older,” Allie said. “So while I talk to the younger people, I have always been with the older crowd.”

The decision has to be made early on according to Allie.

“All it really takes to get you to where you want to go is work and dedication,” Allie said. “It’s not hard to do what you want to do, as long as you have the right mindset.”