Every parent dreams of their kid graduating from college one day. Normally, it takes until kids are somewhere in their mid-twenties to reach this stage of life. However, for the Wimmer family of Salisbury, North Carolina, graduation day came quicker than anyone could have ever predicted.
Mark and Melissa’s 12-year-old son Mike Wimmer is about to receive both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree in the same year.
No better way to introduce my newest venture, HORIZON OS, than at my high school science fair! I am excited for the future and the tremendous potential this OS has in changing the lives of so many. Finding my way to change the world! #STEM #sciencefair #changetheworld. pic.twitter.com/dLdR4NTiVm
— Mike Wimmer (@Mike_aighost) December 6, 2019
At Concord Academy High School, Mike is a valedictorian and will be graduating with a 5.45 GPA. That in and of itself is a massive accomplishment for a 12-year-old, especially when you consider the fact that most of the other graduating seniors are around 18.
Mike is just hitting puberty while his other classmates are all legally becoming adults.
In addition, Mike will be receiving an associate’s degree this May from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College where he has achieved a 4.0 GPA.
In an interview with Fox News, Mike explained that the pandemic presented him with an amazing opportunity to get ahead on his schoolwork.
“With COVID, of course being locked in, I figured out, hey, might as well take some more classes, right? So I actually did four years of school in one,” said Mike.
Mike started the school year as a junior in high school (at age 12).
He completed enough coursework to pass two grade levels by the time the year finished. At the same time, he was also taking college classes.
“I just did it at a much faster pace. I did my junior and senior year of high school along with my first two years of college for my associate’s degree at the same time,” explained Mike. “
While most kids his age avoid extra classes and extra homework, Mike basically decided to do all of this on a whim.
He has an incredible amount of ambition at such a young age. It’s safe to say that he is going places in life.
“Using dual enrollment classes at both places also. It was kind of a, hey, if I take a few more classes I can get an associate’s degree. Why not?”
He is no stranger to hard work, even designing his own apps and programming with robotics by age 10.
We had a great visit with @MikeWimmer9, 10-year-old MENSA member, app developer, and all-around awesome kid. Thanks for stopping in! pic.twitter.com/cvk0F8Fgth
— Sphero Education (@SpheroEdu) July 4, 2019
It all started when Mike’s parents had him tested for learning disabilities as a preschooler.
Part of the testing included an IQ test. When they got the results back, everyone was blown away. Mike was immediately accepted into MENSA at age four.
Misty made it to Mensa!!
Misty Robotics. pic.twitter.com/tLgjCf9IWh— Mike Wimmer (@Mike_aighost) July 7, 2019
Their members include anyone who ranks in the top 2% compared to the general population on an official intelligence test. While most of the members of the group are between the ages of 20 and 60, there have been Mensans as young as two years old.
Mike is definitely among the younger ones in MENSA.
While extremely high IQ is sometimes coupled with developmental disabilities, Mike is both eloquently spoken and does great socially too.
Made it to Phoenix for the Mensa Convention. Had a great adventure getting here especially meeting new friends in Boulder at Sphero and Misty Robotics!! pic.twitter.com/YqcGzjl9Lh
— Mike Wimmer (@Mike_aighost) July 7, 2019
Seeing him speak on WCNC in his stylish suit will warm your heart.
He gives out some excellent motivational advice to all of the adults listening in.
“Follow your dreams and never let obstacles stop you,” said Mike. “I’ve had obstacles put in my way thousands of times, but I’ve never let that stop me from what I wanted to do.”
Another highlight of this week was meeting this smarty pants. Mike Wimmer is a 10 y/o prodigy and was invited by @USSOCOM to attend a Rapid Prototyping Event as an active participant and contributor. Proud to know you, @MikeWimmer9. Keep changing the world! pic.twitter.com/8N3IFJogKr
— Chad Green (@greenchadable) July 12, 2019
They are the words of a twelve-year-old, wise beyond his years.
It’s not all about IQ, either. Mike has a work ethic that puts many of us to shame. He claims that it’s because he loves what he does. For him, learning is the end goal. It just feels fun for him.
Watch the full video below to see 12-year-old Mike tell his story to reporters.
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