She’s living her teen dreams!
Emory Pruitt recently turned 16-years-old but has already made history, becoming one of Clark Atlanta University’s youngest students in the fall 2020 class. At just 15, she was accepted to the historically Black College in Atlanta. Pruitt graduated with a 3.7 GPA, but she faced adversity at her first high school, ultimately pushing her to work harder to graduate early. The university said she is the youngest student in recent memory.
“At her hometown high school, she was mocked for being a young Black woman who dared to dream big,” a Clark Atlanta spokesperson said in a statement. “But the racism and adversity, along with strong family support, only strengthened Pruitt’s resolve.”
After facing bullying and racism at her high school, Pruitt’s mother, Karen Pruitt, decided to enroll her in online classes at Penn Foster High School. In a press release, her mother said that this allowed Emory to focus on her studies and block out the noise.
“I know that this was the best choice to protect her and her feelings; no one should have to defend the color of their skin,” Karen said.
Emory has succeeded in getting into her dream school and will be joined by her brother, Elijah Pruitt, who was also accepted to Clark Atlanta this fall. She said it was her family’s support that got her to where she is today.
“It actually was the dedication and my family that pushed me each day,” Emory said. “I should thank the people that doubted me; that just made me work even harder.”
Karen said she was overjoyed for her daughter, “Words would not be able to describe how thrilled and excited she was to have come across a dream come true.’’
Lorri Saddler, Associate Vice President/Dean of Admissions, said in a statement. “We are honored that this exceptional young woman chose Clark Atlanta University to continue her studies, and we look forward to supporting her through all of her endeavors. Ms. Pruitt has already accomplished so much in just 16 years, and we know she’ll continue to build on her successes.”
The online schooling has prepared Emory for her freshman year at Clark Atlanta since the school has decided to go completely online, for the 2020-21 school year, due to the global pandemic.
Congratulations, Emory!
Photo Credit: Clark Atlanta University