Fifteen years old and preparing for graduation and college. Most Lane students graduate in four years, but not Hugh Yeh, Div. 672.

After some time in the LTAC program and his second high school year at Lane, Yeh will be out the door for good in June like all the other seniors.

On his own Yeh decided he would try to graduate faster than the norm. Working hard in his seventh and eighth grade years at Lane had him coming in freshman year with a good amount of credits already. In seventh grade he took Biology, Algebra, and Mandarin I. In eighth grade he was in Geometry, Chemistry, World Studies, and other higher level classes.

People often think Yeh’s parents forced him to graduate early, but he thinks his parents are not that strict.

“My parents are really easy about my grades — they do not mind if I get a B or a C as long as I put up the effort,” Yeh said.

Though his high school experience will end sooner than most, Yeh is satisfied.

“I had the complete high school experience when considering a social life,” Yeh said. “I am happy to say that I balanced academics with my social life.”

The bulk of American high school students will not get their diploma as fast as Yeh. However, he does not feel that that is cause to treat him differently.

“I don’t see myself as special — or anyone else graduating early — because it’s a matter of each individual’s perception when he or she wants to finish school — and because there are many other students graduating at a younger age than I am,” Yeh said.

As for after high school, Yeh embraces the challenges that lie ahead.

“As much as I like high school, college is a much more open environment academically and non-academically,” Yeh said. “I feel ready and excited to go to college.”