Student Spotlight: Malachi Keith
Chattanooga, TN– Malachi Keith is set to graduate in May 2025—just two years after starting with Opportunity High in the summer of 2023. At 15 years old, Keith’s journey is nothing short of impressive.
Opportunity High, started in 2023, was originally designed to help students who are over-age or short on credits recover lost ground and work toward earning their high school diploma or GED. Here, students have the flexibility to work at their own pace, either online or with personalized support, while developing a post-secondary plan for further education, apprenticeships, or industry certifications.
Dr. Crystal Sorrells, principal at Brainerd High School, identified Keith’s need for a different educational environment. “This young man had a difficult relationship with school. He was adamant that he did not want to be there during the summer before his freshman year,” Dr. Sorrells said. “We had several conversations about the future and options, and he finally agreed to give Opportunity High a try. The first week, he was not sold and thought this was a behavioral placement. That was far from the truth. Once the courses were added to his transcript and the opportunities began to reveal themselves, a fire was ignited in him. He worked weekends, nights, and holidays, finding his groove and excelling at Opportunity High. His hope was visible, and it was powerful to see,” Dr. Sorrells said. “This is what opportunity looks like.”
For Keith, the nontraditional setting at Opportunity High has been the key to his success. “I don’t work well in crowds; I work better by myself,” he said.
"Here, you're in your own space, and you can work at your own pace. Nothing is too fast or too slow–everything is just right for me." He credits his success to the personalized environment where he can focus on his studies without the distractions of a traditional school setting. "Opportunity High gave me the chance to excel. Before, I felt limited in what I could do. I would get distracted in big crowds and would never ask for help from teachers. But here, you basically have a teacher to yourself."
The staff at Opportunity High has played a vital role in Keith’s transformation. Social studies teacher Chris Coleman remembers Keith as reserved and quiet when they first met. “He initially did not speak a whole lot. As teachers, we want to break through and engage with our students and really get to know them. With Malachi, we started out really slow, but then our relationship started to thaw.” English teacher Dr. Landa Torrence shares a similar experience. “I remember when he was very quiet. It has been so great to see his personality come to the forefront– to see him come into his own and see his confidence.”
Opportunity High principal Dr. Lakesha Carson notes that Keith’s commitment has exceeded the program’s expectations. “Malachi gave us way more than three hours a day. He worked all day here, he’d ask to stay longer, he’d work on weekends. He saw the success as he finished the classes and just kept going. And now, he’s pushed us. His initiative and drive are pushing us to find more alternatives and outlets in this program.”
This self-driven determination has paid off, and now, with just one final civics test standing between him and graduation, Keith is looking ahead. Keith is considering his options, two being college and the military. He is interested in earning a degree in cybersecurity, possibly from Chattanooga State Community College, and is also exploring military options once he turns 17.
“Through the process, we’ve seen Malachi go from someone who wouldn’t look at you and wasn’t confident in himself and his words to now wanting to talk and do speeches and interviews,” Dr. Carson said. “He’s so respectful. He updates us on what he’s working on, and he’s learned to advocate for himself. That’s what we want for students coming out of Opportunity High. We want them to be able to navigate every situation. And he’s figured that out– from schooling, time management, creating relationships with peers and adults. He’s learning to maneuver through challenges and be independent.”
As Malachi prepares to walk across the stage and receive his diploma at just 15 years old, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. Whether he pursues cybersecurity, the military, or another path, his success story is a powerful reminder of the opportunities available when students are given the space and support to thrive.
