Graduating from an Online High School

One of the questions asked by many families looking into online high school is “Are the ceremonies in person?”  A high school graduation ceremony is an important rite of passage for all students, whether they go to school online or attend a brick-and-mortar. Here’s some information about local graduation ceremonies held by some of our partner schools across the country.

To all of our 2011 High School graduates — Congratulations!

California Virtual Academies  honored its largest graduating class of 365 students at three regional ceremonies on June 1, June 6, and June 9.

The first ceremony of the year was hosted at the Vacaville Performing Arts Center in Vacaville. The ceremony featured a student speech by Sarah Croyts of San Mateo, who plans to attend University of California Santa Barbara through the school’s honors program.

The second CAVA ceremony occurred at San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino. Caroline Smith of Los Angeles addressed her peers as valedictorian. Smith plans to attend Chapman University in the fall. Smith was awarded a Chancellor’s Scholarship and a performing arts scholarship for four years.

CAVA’s final graduation of the year was held at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in San Gabriel.

Utah Virtual Academy honored 25 students in the graduating class of 2011. The ceremony featured the senior speech by Nephi Smith of Taylorsville. Upon graduation, Nephi plans to attend the University of Utah. Superintendent Larry K. Shumway, Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction, delivered the keynote address.

Idaho Virtual Academy honored 79 graduates at three regional ceremonies on May 31, June 1 and 2.

Arizona Virtual Academy celebrated the graduation of 95 students in the Class of 2011, the school’s largest graduating class to date.

Ohio Virtual Academy honored 180 students in the graduating class of 2011. The traditional graduation ceremony took place on June 4, at the Capital Center at Capital University. This year’s keynote speaker was Ohio State Senator Cliff Hite (R-1), a former public educator and current Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Colorado Virtual Academy honored students in the graduating class of 2011. The traditional graduation ceremony took place at the Macky Auditorium at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Kathryn Knox, COVA’s Director of School Improvement delivered this year’s keynote address.