Student's age and determination pushes him ahead of the class

NEOSHO, Mo.

Matt Herrin holds down a job, did a stint as a Marine, and had more fun than most by the time he turned 20. For all the life experiences he's had, though, there's one that eluded him, one that he's desperate to have: high school graduation.

"It's embarrassing being 20 and being in high school," he told Kathy Quinley's freshman English class recently at Neosho High School.

During one of a number of presentations he's made to high school classes to encourage students to stay in school, the Neosho High School senior told the classroom of freshmen to avoid the path he's chosen. That path includes taking courses with students five and six years his junior and sitting in a class whose substitute teacher is one of his former classmates.

"I know it makes me the laughingstock of the school," he said.

At 20, Herrin is taking his third shot at high school. His lifelong plans for a career in the military fell apart last summer when he was discharged from the Marines.

His attempts to find a good-paying job have been fruitless. He finally resolved to finish high school this academic year, and is now considering going to college.

His decision is timely, because state law permits free high school education only through age 20. Herrin's 21st birthday falls in September 2005, so if he's going to get his high school diploma without having to pay tuition, now is the time to do it. It's taken a while to come to that decision. Herrin said he stopped taking school seriously around sixth and seventh grade, by not studying and being disrespectful to teachers.

He decided to drop out of school after his freshman year at age 16. He eventually went back for his sophomore and junior years, but drugs, alcohol and having fun were still more important to him than making sure he passed his classes.

With the understanding he could finish his high school requirements through the military, he entered the Marines at the end of his junior year. His plan to be a lifetime soldier was interrupted after suffering an injury during basic training. However, it wasn't the hurt rib and knees that ended his military career.

Instead, it was something lurking in his medical records that somehow had been previously overlooked. Muscular dystrophy is nothing new for Herrin's family and he was aware of his condition, but said he hoped it wouldn't be a problem. "I had a philosophy if I ignore it, it isn't there," he said.

Military officials didn't ignore it, though. He was out of the Marines before he finished basic training and found himself back in Goodman, living with his parents, trying to find a job.

Positions in fast-food restaurants were the only jobs that didn't require a high school diploma. It was time to go back to school. Now, Herrin stays busy with a schedule that includes English, psychology, weight training and art. His 40 hours of work as a cook at KFC can mean staying awake until 4 a.m. with homework.

He's considering attending Crowder College and has an interest in pursuing a degree in business administration or philosophy.

During free periods at school, he's started talking to classes to encourage students not to slack off, to finish school.

"There are no excuses; just do the work," he said. He tells students it's time to grow up and take responsibility for themselves.

He's not proud to tell a room full of teenagers that he's the only 20-year-old in school, but it's worth revealing himself in the hopes of helping others avoid the mistakes he's made.

Certainly not everyone he knows heeds the advice. Herrin's younger brother and some of his friends didn't finish high school. But despite his years of goofing off, that won't be the road he follows.

"I want something more out of life," he said.