Skipping an entire grade is pretty impressive, but skipping two grades is just amazing. After skipping second and 10th grade, junior Christian McConnell continues to take classes well above most kids his age.

“It wasn’t my first time at Rouse last year,” McConnell said. “In eighth grade I took Spanish I and Pre-AP Geometry here as well, so it was pretty natural to be in this setting.”

Academics isn’t the only area where McConnell excels. The junior is also a member of the swim team and swims on the A-relay. McConnell also swims on the Nitro club team every day after school.

“He always gives 100 percent at every practice, he never skips a set, he never stops,” swim coach Marlene Blanchett said. “He has a very good work ethic, both in and out of the water, he’s always pushing himself and trying to improve.”

Planning to go to University of Texas at Dallas, McConnell wants to take part in the PACT program, which is a partnership program with the many medical centers in Dallas, until he transfers to the Austin campus where he hopes to major and pursue a career in neurosurgery.

“It can be hard to balance everything sometimes, especially during swim meet weekends,” McConnell said. “I just try to get my work early and do it as soon as I can. I try and do my best all the time.”

McConnell and the team have attended two meets and will travel to Killeen, Nov. 3.