(Right to left) Nigel and Andrew Siwabessy study together in AP Government. Photo by Shai Nielson

Graduating is a privilege, an honor and a milestone in life for seniors. But for Nigel Siwabessy, this experience will come a year early.

“I’m graduating early, honestly, because I can and not a whole lot of people do it,” Siwabessy said.

A junior in the class of 2013, Siwabessy will graduate with the class of 2012 as only the second WHS student ever to graduate in a three-years span. Already a young junior at the age of 15, he will graduate at 16 years old, two whole years younger than the graduating class.

“The fact that (Nigel) is a sophomore-age junior that is graduating early is impressive, and I want others to be as impressed as I am,” Nigel’s older brother Andrew said.

Not only will Nigel be a young graduate, but he will graduate with Andrew, a current senior, as well.

“I am proud to know that I will be walking the floor in June alongside my brother, because I am proud to be his brother,” Andrew said.

Nigel is taking typical junior classes including Language Arts III Honors and AP US History, but also senior classes like AP Government and AP Literature.

“I’m treating this year like just any other year, but there’s just way more work to be done,” Nigel said.

This work is all but unfamiliar to Andrew, who is taking some of the same classes as his younger brother.

“We currently are enrolled together in AP Government and AP Literature. To double the strangeness of it all, I sit next to him in both classes,” Andrew said. “On a practical level, it is easy to check to see if I had homework in either class, or to study things like English vocabulary.”

It’s not just about studying, though, when it comes to taking the same classes together.

“I simply enjoy taking these classes with (Nigel). I know it sounds kind of kiddish, but it feels almost like an adventure, being able to challenge this last year with him and then, later on, college, as well,” Andrew said.

When it comes to college, Nigel plans on going to school next school year in Southern California, while Andrew looks to the Midwest for college options. This summer, though, Nigel will be traveling to areas like Asia for a different learning experience than school.

“I plan on going abroad for a little bit (to learn) new things,” Nigel said.

Some students graduate early for sports or academics and are ready to dive head first into college and leave high school behind, but whether the reason is a crucial step forward or simply a unique chapter in one’s life, for those who attempt it, there is hard work involved.

“Knowing that Whitney won’t be my home next year is weird. It makes me want to be lazy and develop senioritis, but I know I can’t do any of this if I fail a class,” Nigel said.

Not just anyone is allowed to graduate early for that reason.

“We always consider what is in the best interest of the student and his or her family. For the majority of students, I would say stay for the four years and take advantage of the opportunities available for you as a high school student,” head counselor Mrs. Julie Poe said.

After experiencing some of high school’s opportunities and before traveling and moving forward in the future, both Siwabessy brothers will go through the once in a lifetime experience: graduation.

“I don’t really have a need to hog the spotlight (at graduation),” Andrew said. “Truthfully, I love the fact that Nigel (will be) there and that he’s stealing the show.”

Nigel isn’t exactly sure what the future holds for him but he said, “whatever happens, happens.”

By SHAI NIELSON