Though the traditional path to high school graduation takes four years, some students, like Caleb Bobo, junior, choose to graduate early. Bobo has not only completed his graduation requirements a full year early, but he has been especially involved in sports, activities and school spirit during his time at MHS.             

“I’m ready to move on,” Bobo said. “I’ve loved my time at Marquette, but, like President Obama once said, ‘I’m ready for a change’.”

Bobo began high school with the Class of 2013, but will be receiving his diploma with the Class of 2012. Bobo said he quickly developed a strong connection with the school.

 “Since my first day, I’ve loved Marquette High School,” Bobo said. “I believe that there is no one else with as much school spirit as me. I wanted to change the environment as soon as I got to high school.”

Bobo said he began high school intending to follow a typical four year plan.

 “I originally did not want to graduate early,” Bobo said. “It wasn’t until the end of my freshman year with a meeting with Mr. Coons that inspired me to graduate early.”

When he was able to transfer credit from some middle school classes, it became a possibility.

In order to graduate early, a student must obtain all 24 essential credits within the allotted time period. Bobo had to completely change his schedule in order to obtain all of his necessary credits.

“When I modified my schedule, I couldn’t take any study halls, so I would only take classes which had a purpose in terms of fulfilling credit requirements,” Bobo said.

Many students and staff have known that Bobo was graduating early, and some have been confused as to why he really wants to do so. 

“It’s been a mixed reaction,” Bobo said. “Some friends and teachers were confused, but at the same time, they were complimenting me and encouraging me to pursue my goal.”

Senior Ryan Marks, varsity basketball player, said he was inspired by Bobo’s work with Stang Gang to help promote their program and the school itself.

“He is the best leader that Stang Gang could ask for,” Marks said. “He is the most school spirited. There’s no else like him.”

Kevin Kafoury, Senior Class president, said he was happy for Bobo to be graduating with the class of 2012.

“To be able to graduate early is a really big accomplishment,” Kafoury said. “He is a very well rounded kid. I am really supportive towards him and his decision, but it will be sad for him to be leaving with such a big reputation he has carried.”

Juniors Chris Jablonski and Adam Reichwein are both of Bobo’s closest friends and said they stand by his decision, but are trying to be brave about his departure.

“Being friends with Bobo was like being with a celebrity,” Jablonski said. “Being with him was life changing. Anytime you hung around with Caleb Bobo, everybody wanted to be your friend then. That’s how cool he was.”

Reichwein said when Bobo graduates, school spirit will not be the same.

“When Bobo graduates, I’m going to cry,” Reichwein said. “It will be impossible for me to graduate without him when Class of 2013 graduates, but I will make it. He has shown true dedication toward leaving early and everything he has done and accomplished.”

Bobo said originally he wanted to go to the University of Kansas, become the mascot there and become a history teacher for MHS. However, Bobo now said he has new goals of what he wants to major in. 

“I had a change of heart,” Bobo said. “My potential major is to study cell and molecular biology. After my undergraduate years, I may go into pre med. Hopefully, I can go to pre-med at KU.”

Bobo said he wants to become a physician with an open practice and open his own firm. Bobo also said he has been considering becoming a politician or running for president. 

Not only has Bobo changed his mind about his potential career, but he is second guessing which university to attend.

“I originally wanted to attend Kansas,” Bobo said. “I am leaning toward Missouri State University, because Kansas’ tuition is around $30,000 and just way too expensive for my family and I to handle. Plus, I love the atmosphere and low tuition Missouri State has to offer. There is also an Honors College that I got accepted to at Missouri State, and I just really like the campus.”

Bobo said he has just two main goals before packing his bags for college.

“Before I graduate, now that I’ve won Mr. Mustang and pretty much any Marquette award you can think of, my two last goals are to play varsity boys volleyball in the spring and attend Prom,” Bobo said.