The VLACS Class of 2025 gathered on June 13 in Manchester, NH for a joyful and heartfelt celebration of growth, achievement, and new beginnings. A total of 160 full-time students graduated in the Class of 2025, some of whom completed their coursework earlier in the year.
We also celebrated 15 fifth grade completers, 57 eighth grade completers, and 3 adult education graduates. Surrounded by over 900 family members, friends, and supporters, the event highlighted not only the culmination of academic work, but the start of journeys as varied and vibrant as the students themselves.
This year’s graduates have been accepted to 87 colleges and universities across the country. Some are headed straight into higher education, while others will enter the workforce, enlist in the military, or travel before settling on their next move. The message throughout the day was clear: there is no single path to success. And at VLACS, that’s something to celebrate.
Many Paths To Success
Carey Glines, Director of Academic and Student Affairs, spoke directly to that idea in her remarks. “We are here today because of the amazing achievements of our amazing class of 2025,” she said. “Graduates, we are inspired by your stories. We are honored that we have gotten to play a role in your educational journeys, and we are so impressed with your accomplishments and diverse future plans.”
“Think of what success means to you,” said VLACS Chief Executive Officer Steve Kossakoski. “Explore your interests, and use that to guide some of your decisions over the next few years.”
For class of 2025 graduate and student speaker Tej Patel, this meant leaning into two seemingly unrelated passions—data science and city planning—and discovering how they intersect. “Through the opportunities VLACS offers with the community college system, I was able to further my interests in these areas through courses in Data Analytics and Data Visualization,” Patel shared in his speech. “This unique interdisciplinary foundation is what has led me to forge my own path in college, where I’ll major in Urban Technology.”
These words resonate with the mission of VLACS. Our school provides an opportunity for students to explore, uncover, and reach for their biggest dreams. The flexibility and personalized approach of our model allows students to pursue their passions and interests through real-world experiences and mentorships, and offers opportunities to academically grow through our Early College program.
We also took time to celebrate this year’s New Hampshire Scholars and Norma McGarr Award recipients. New Hampshire Scholars are recognized for their commitment to have taken a rigorous core course of study in high school. The Norma McGarr Award is given to students who exhibit a love of learning and embody the qualities of optimism, determination, and courage. Funds, up to $1,500, are awarded to these students to be used for expenses connected to their post-graduate educational and career goals.
As the Class of 2025 moves forward, they will not just carry transcripts and diplomas. They will also carry with them a mindset shaped by flexibility, courage, and self-discovery. They leave with a deep understanding that success is not one-size-fits-all, and that their education has prepared them to define it on their own terms.
Congratulations to the VLACS Class of 2025. Your future is yours to create, and we can’t wait to see where you go next!
If you would like to graduate with VLACS, consider joining our full-time program!
