9-year-old graduates high school
Published 12:08 pm Monday, February 6, 2023
By
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WGAL) – Imagine being 9 years old and already holding a high school diploma.
That’s the case for David Balogun.
The 9-year-old recently graduated from the Reach Cyber Charter School in Harrisburg.
David reportedly took classes remotely from his home in Bucks County. He said he enjoys science and computer programing.
“I want to be an astrophysicist, and study black holes and supernovas,” he said.
The boy’s parents have advanced degrees, but they said raising a young son with extraordinary intellectual gifts can be a bit challenging.
“He’s a 9-year-old with a brain that does have the capacity to understand and comprehend a lot of concepts that are beyond his years. And sometimes beyond my understanding,” said David’s mother Ronya Balogun.
David credits several of his favorite teachers for his academic success. They said he taught them a few things too in the few years it took him to get through high school.
“David was an inspirational kid, definitely one who changes the way you think about teaching,” said teacher Cody Derr.
After completing a semester at Bucks County Community College, David’s family said they are currently looking at colleges and universities across the country to try to find one that’s just the right fit.
But so far, David and those around him have come up with the right answers.
David said his favorite thing is learning. But he also likes to play sports and the piano. He said he is also working on his black belt in martial arts.