Abby Shelly

Khloe Lacouture is working hard to graduate early with the class of 2024, even though she is only a junior.

Senioritis always hits hard by your junior year, but what if you had the option to graduate early? For junior Khloe Lacouture, this hypothetical question is a reality. Instead of graduating with the rest of the class of 2025, she will walk across the stage and receive her diploma this spring with the class of 2024. 

“I was at a point in my life where I wanted a change, and I felt motivated to graduate,” Khloe said about her decision to graduate early. “I plan to attend Texas A&M University and I get to stay with my childhood best friend, which made my decision to go off to college easier. I plan to pursue a career in education.” 

Khloe only recently made the decision to graduate early, which means she had to take on a heavier workload than she had planned for this school year. 

“This made it more challenging because I couldn’t take any of the extra classes over the summer,” Khloe said. “I have to take them at the same time as my regular classes. Another struggle my family and I faced was having to consider my future more seriously.” 

The decision to graduate early does not come easy; there are many things one should consider before early graduation. 

“I would ask others to consider whether or not they can handle the extra classes,” Khloe said. “It really depends on your priorities.” 

A child leaving the nest is always a saddening occurrence for any parent, especially when it happens sooner than anyone could’ve imagined. According to Khloe’s mom, Kara Lacouture, she and Khloe’s dad are extremely proud of all of her amazing accomplishments.

“We are excited about the opportunities graduating early will present for her,” Lacouture said. “We have enjoyed watching her grow independently and are definitely look forward to seeing her lead a successful future.”

According to Khloe’s close family friend and the current principal of Little Cypress Junior High, Heidi Strandberg, she has known her since the day she was born and has gotten to watch her flourish into an outstanding young woman that has positively represented her school and her family.

“Not only is Khloe involved at school with theater, Student Council, Bear Believers, and Interact, but she is also heavily involved with her youth group and praise team at church,” Strandberg said. “This is extremely impressive when you consider how many hours she spends at school for extra-curricular activities while maintaining her outstanding class rank. Her character and strong family backing that has stressed morals, responsibility, and accountability have prepared Khloe for a future of success.”