LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Carmen Ellison, 15, is one of only a few students in the state to graduate high school two years early.

What You Need To Know

  • Seneca High School's Carmen Ellison graduated at 15

  • Ellison maintained a 4.0 GPA

  • The newly-minted graduate is attending UofL this fall

Ellison has put a cap on a successful high school career. Successful, albeit, brief. The Seneca High School student has walked the graduation stage at just 15 years old, graduating two grades ahead of most.

“Everyone was very supportive of me, and I had all the backup I needed," Ellison told Spectrum News 1 on the day she picked up her red cap and gown. 

Ellison on graduation day. (Felicia Bowman)

You may wonder what it takes to graduate before most students start driving.

“Well, it takes a lot of sacrifice. You have to be very focused. You have to make sure everything is done on time, be punctual, determined. You have to be motivated. Constantly," Ellison explained.

Ellison's mother, Felicia Bowman, knows exactly how hard her daughter worked to achieve this rare feat. 

“At one point, I know she was taking 10 classes a semester," Bowman said. 

Ellison said her journey to early graduation started amid great loss. In 2020, she lost two grandmothers and an uncle the year before. 

“I wanted to do something big and make people happy...and be accomplished and everything. I know it would have made her proud," Ellison said. Certainly, anyone who knows Ellison is proud.

Ellison's workload was hefty, but her mother says her daughter tackled it with poise and maintained a 4.0 GPA. 

On Saturday, May 29, Ellison graduated, and when many newly-minted grads are gearing up for a long and festive summer, Ellison is preparing for summer classes at the University of Louisville. Ellison eyes a law degree after receiving her bachelor's. 

“Very proud. Happiest father in the universe right now," Ellison's father, John Ellison, said over FaceTime. John is active duty Army and stationed in Madison, Wisconsin. 

“I can’t wait to see you!" Ellison told her dad. 

“It brings tears to my eyes," John said of his daughter's accomplishments.

Bowman beamed over her daughter's resiliency.

“She wants to do everything early. She wants to finish college early and ultimately become a lawyer. That’s the goal. Very proud. Very proud," she said.