On June 7th, 2024, the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) community gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester, NH, to celebrate the graduates of the Class of 2024.
With a record number of attendees and graduates, this year’s ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
Honoring the Class of 2024
The Class of 2024 was an exceptional group of students, and their accomplishments were nothing short of inspiring. This year, we celebrated 160 full-time VLACS high school students.
These graduates are moving on to attend colleges and universities across the country, including MIT, New England College, Florida International University, University of Utah, Southern New Hampshire University, the Culinary Institute of America, Suffolk University, and more. Others are starting their own businesses, traveling, obtaining certifications, joining the military, and pursuing training programs.
We honored five graduates from our adult education program who earned their high school diplomas.
We also recognized our younger students’ achievements, with 15 full-time fifth-grade completers and 48 full-time eighth-grade completers taking the stage.
Our graduates and completors joined us from 97 different towns and four different states, including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.
A Memorable Ceremony
The atmosphere was electric at the ceremony, with hundreds of supporters—family members, friends, and VLACS staff who gathered from across New England to cheer on our graduates.
Carey Glines, VLACS’ Director of Full-Time Programs, captured the spirit of the day perfectly in her remarks: “VLACS’ 2024 graduation was a huge success! We had a record-high number of graduates, guests, and VLACS staff attend. And, we had our first (ever) Adult Education graduates in attendance and invited our younger students completing elementary or middle school to come and be celebrated. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester, NH this year, we were provided with a beautiful and accommodating space to gather and celebrate.”
As we celebrated our graduates’ achievements, we were also reminded of the future that lies ahead of them.
Glines shared her pride in the diverse aspirations and accomplishments of our students, saying, “I am so proud of this class and all that they have accomplished. Among them, we have inventors and teachers, entrepreneurs and aspiring philanthropists, and students training to become doctors, lawyers, mechanics, and models. We have students traveling the world, students planning for post-secondary studies at one of many colleges/universities, students pursuing work, and others aiming for unique and fascinating goals.”
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 mentorship.
Whether they are inventing new technologies, preparing for careers in medicine or law, or setting off on global adventures, our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed.
The Power of Community and Support
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the graduation ceremony was the sense of community and support that permeated the event. The success of our students is a collective effort involving not only their own hard work but also the dedication of their families, friends, and the VLACS staff.
The presence of hundreds of supporters at the ceremony underscored the importance of this network in helping our students achieve their goals.
The event was also a celebration of the broader VLACS community. The staff’s tireless dedication to providing high-quality education, the parents’ support, and the students’ commitment to their studies all contributed to the day’s success.
Watch the Celebration
Those who were unable to attend the ceremony or who would like to relive the special moments can view the event below. This recording captures the joy, pride, and excitement of the day, and we invite you to watch and celebrate with us.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 and to all our completers and adult graduates—you have made us proud, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of you.
If you would like to graduate with VLACS, consider joining our full-time program!
