File This Under "Bad Idea"

Child prodigy Bryce Harper is quiting High School, getting his GED, and enrolling in community college.

From: The Las Vegas Journal-Review

Bryce Harper, the baseball phenom from Las Vegas High School, has no future in high school. An extraordinary player is ready to make an unusual move.

Harper, a 16-year-old who just completed his sophomore year, has registered at the College of Southern Nevada, where he plans to attend classes in August and play for the Coyotes next season.

His father, Ron Harper, announced the decision Saturday while in Oklahoma City for a baseball tournament.

"Bryce is always looking for his next challenge," Ron Harper said. "He's going to pursue his education, too. He's going to get pushed academically and athletically.

I made sure I read the article about him in the June 8th issue of SI before I posted this. I guess I sort of understand where the parents are coming from, but as a general rule, I never think its a good idea to leave high school early. I know, I know- he's getting his GED. But it's not the same. I mean, have you watched GED Connectionon PBS? That's not really a high school education, is it?

I don't think Harper is going to loose any money by staying in High School two more years. Does he have to go to college? No. But I do think that not finishing High School has many potential pitfalls other then waiting until graduation to make your millions. What if this kid get hurt? What is he going to fall back on? What are the social implications? Because we know that child prodigy's always turn out normal. I don't mean to sound like your mother, but this kid better be a good public speaker. Their may be a lot of "Stay in School" assemblies in his future.

Stay in School kid.

Jordan Lauterbach