An early start on post-secondary education

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Abigail Driggers of Hillsboro was in junior high when she decided she wanted to finish her secondary schooling early.

“I earned credits in freshman English and algebra,” she said.

She sought out extra-curricular things to enhance her education, including a Duke Talent Identification program that allows gifted students to choose various summer experiences.

She studied myths and legends at Trinity University in San Antonio and creative writing at Wake Forrest University and at a retreat in New Mexico.

She continued to take extra courses, and by the end of her junior year this spring, Abigail had enough credits to graduate.

“I don’t know where she got it, but Abby has always been very driven,” her mother, Jamie Driggers, said. “She is gifted and is willing to do the work. She does not have a procrastinating bone in her body.”

Abigail plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in behavioral neuroscience.

“I took a class in psychology, and I’ve always liked psychology,” she said. “I like more the biological side and study of the brain.”

Abigail is the second of five children.

“Brent and I have had the philosophy that they should ask us anything and we will try to answer it,” her mother said. “We’ve always encouraged them to pursue their own thing. We are excited to see what life has in store for Abby.”