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"Friday Night Lights" Actor Earns Diploma Through TTUISD

by John Davis

March 27, 2008

 Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons

 Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons

Like all high school seniors, Jesse Plemons couldn't wait to walk across the stage and graduate from high school. But unlike most seniors, the 19-year-old who stars as Landry Clark on NBC's "Friday Night Lights" met his fellow graduates for the first time when he walked across the stage for the Texas Tech University Independent School District graduation on May 6. "I was anxious to come down for graduation and meet everyone," Plemons said. "Even though I got my GED when I was 16, I really wanted to get an actual diploma. I'm really glad that I did."

Plemons completed his high school curriculum through TTUISD after enrolling his sophomore year. He is one of the 161 seniors who graduated during the 2006-07 academic year. About 20 of the students traveled to Lubbock to attend the festivities. Tibor Nagy, Texas Tech's vice provost for International Affairs, gave the graduation address.

Plemons' professional acting career took off in the last few years, with appearances in TV shows such as "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Judging Amy," "Walker: Texas Ranger" and "Grey's Anatomy." He needed an alternative to traditional school. TTUISD's flexible yet rigorous program fit the bill.

"With Texas Tech, I couldn't have asked for more," Plemons said. "My instructors helped me out so much. Any time I had a question, they were right there for me. I don't know how I could have done it without them." In addition to television work, Plemons' movie credits include "Varsity Blues" and "Like Mike."