First-grade student at J.S. Clark Magnet accepted into MENSA
In this edition of What’s Your Story, KNOE’s Aaron Dietrich introduces the community to the smartest kid in the room.
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Can you imagine being a part of an elite club that only 2% of the world’s population is qualified to join? No matter your age, that would be a pretty significant accomplishment! In this edition of What’s Your Story, KNOE’s Aaron Dietrich introduces the community to the smartest kid in the room.
Fun has a way of following first-grader Taurian Collins. He even comes armed with a joke or two.
“Why did the hamburger go to the gym? Why?” Collins asked. “So he could get better buns!”
Four years ago, though, Taurian’s mother was not laughing.
“He wasn’t really talking ... It was momma and dadda and that was a little iffy ... I don’t think he was saying 10 words,” said Taurian’s mother. Her intuition led to a trip to the pediatrician.
Taurian had his adenoids taken out and tubes placed in his ears. Before the surgery, Taurian’s hearing sounded like he was underwater. Everything sounded mumbled to him. His speech was even mumbled.
Three months later, his parents said Taurian has not stopped talking since.
To the astonishment of his parents, Taurian started reading at only 2 years old.
“I called him into the room and said, ‘Hey, can you read this to me and tell me what it says?’” said Taurian’s mother.
With his test scores off the chart, Taurian applied to MENSA, an organization that recognizes people who score in the 98th percentile in standardized testing.
“He is the perfect candidate for a program like that,” said Dr. Brian Bush. “I mean, these are the most intelligent people in the world, and he fits right on in that group.”
Taurian has not set some modest goals for himself. He says he wants to become an NFL player who moonlights as an astronaut. That is, only after he takes the fast track through college.
“Of course, he said he’s going to Harvard at 13. So we’re going to do whatever we have to do to get him to Harvard at 13,” said Taurian’s mother.
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