The high school senior graduates from Milton Hershey School this weekend.
His name is Aaron Nowlin. His neighbors say they knew at an early age that he would shine.
Aaron says he wouldn't have been able to do it without the love and support of his family, especially his grandmother.
Times are good for the Nowlin family! They can't be more proud of 18 year old Aaron who has been accepted to the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island.
"I knew he was going to do something big, but I didn't know what it was," said Aaron's mother Cassandra Nowlin.
Aaron's mom is back in his life today, but personal issues forced her to leave him with her mother, and Classie Nowlin says he was special from the start.
"When he was little, he would come home from school and go right to his homework. I didn't even have to tell him," said Classie.
Aaron earned good grades so easily his family was advised to send him to a school that would challenge him.
"Personally, I was afraid. I didn't want him in the neighborhood. I didn't want him here," said Ramona Evans, Aaron's aunt.
The family learned about Milton Hershey School, a private school with student homes, serving children from poverty.
Aaron's Uncle remembers his first visit with his nephew.
"The young kids were dup there getting their honors, and he said, 'I'm going to be on that stage'. And I never forgot that," said Leon Evans.
Aaron did make it to the stage as an honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society. This year, he is the Senior Class President.
"My motivation really was to make my grandmother proud," Aaron said. "I wanted to be at the top. I wouldn't accept anything less than that."
He says he only wishes others could have the opportunity that he's had. "Some of my friends, like my closest friend that I grew up with are dead and gone. Some are incarcerated," said Aaron.
Aaron also wants people to know that many in his community gave him positive direction.
"There are a lot of people out here who influenced me to do the right thing. They helped me to stay on my path," he said.
Aaron's tuition will be fully funded by the Navy in exchange for his five years of active duty.
