Chris Evert Keynotes Graduation Ceremony for K12 International Academy Class of 2014

HERNDON, Va., July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- K¹² International Academy, an accredited, online private school open to students in grades K-12 worldwide, honored its graduates during a 2014 ceremony that occurred last Friday, June 27. Unlike traditional graduation ceremonies, this one took place virtually and was live-streamed from K¹²'s headquarters in Herndon, Va. The keynote speech was provided by renown tennis player Chris Evert. More than 130 students were honored for their scholastic achievement and awarded their diplomas during the live-streamed event.

Students and families who logged in early were greeted with a prelude of student artwork and music, until commencement began at 11 a.m. At that time the ceremony kicked off with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Lt. Colonel White, a recently retired United States Air Force pilot and the father of K¹² student Madeline White.

Succeeding Lt. Colonel White was his daughter, Madeline White, who led her class in the National Anthem. A top student, Madeline enrolled at K¹² during its first year as a curriculum provider. Madeline and K¹² began their educational journey together, and now many years later, Madeline says she is happy to have received such an incredible education, which has given her the flexibility to pursue her numerous outside interests. While enrolled at K¹² International Academy, Madeline participated in a partnership between the school and University of Maryland University College, which allowed her to earn multiple credits toward her higher education. This fall, she will be attending the College of William and Mary, where she hopes to study International Relations and participate in a study abroad program at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

Keynote speaker Chris Evert addressed students and their families during the online ceremony. The winner of 18 Grand Slam titles and former No. 1 player in the world, Evert made her mark as one of the premiere women athletes of all time at a very young age. Voted the AP "Female Athlete of the Year" on four occasions and the recipient of numerous other awards, Evert was inducted, unanimously, into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. She has also been rated No. 50 among all North American Athletes of the 20^th century by a worldwide vote of sports journalists. Since retiring from the courts in 1989, Evert has devoted her time to her family, her charity, which has raised over $22 million for at-risk women and children, and the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Florida.

Do Hee Kim, Valedictorian of the Class of 2014, and Olivia Konen, Salutatorian of this year's graduating class, were honored during an awards presentation by Miriam Rube, Head of School at K¹² International Academy.

The ceremony culminated with the presentation of diplomas and closing remarks Rube. "We are those who built the bridge. We are those who mend the cracks that wear with age. You are charged with reaching a goal beyond the trespass. You learned with no walls and no bells. You established relationships with no borders. If the world would act upon your example of study, peace would be more readily attainable."

While the accomplishment of a high school diploma is an achievement in itself, the vast majority of students from the K¹² International Academy Class of 2014 have chosen to take their studies to the next level. This year's graduating class has been accepted to more than 100 colleges and universities, including College of William and Mary, Arts Educational Schools London, Loyola University, Drexel University, Emerson College, Hofstra University, University of Pittsburgh, Louisiana Tech University, United States Naval Academy, Trinity University, University of Edinburgh, Pepperdine University, McGill University and more. Combined, the Class of 2014 earned $709,715 in scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year.

"K¹² International Academy is home to a diverse population of students spanning the globe. Students interact and develop relationships with their peers around the world with varied interests and talents. Class Connects, Virtual Field Trips, clubs, and College Counseling sessions are only a few examples of where these connections are made and established for our students, their teaches and academic coaches," said Rube. "With shared experiences their differences are celebrated and they find common ground in their future plans and life goals.  The atmosphere we create aligns with the mission of K¹² and the International Academy as we are committed to bringing individualized learning to all kinds of minds, and removing barriers that keep children from reaching their true potential. This global perspective will hopefully translate in their lives after graduation, as they meet and interact with others around the world." 

K¹² International Academy educators provide the individualized learning tools students need including instruction, guidance, and support, and they regularly interact with students and parents via e-mail, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone, and face-to-face meetings. "Our approach is to implement best practices in teaching focused on student learning and outcomes that move children forward," said Rube. "Well beyond students' graduation, our faculty and support staff are committed to serving as guides to a lifetime of learning."  

K¹² International Academy
The K¹² International Academy from K¹² Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs, is an accredited private online school with an individualized approach to learning that frees children to reach their full potential. With award-winning curriculum, an amazing support team, and an energetic school community, we help students around the world in grades K-12 learn in the ways that are right for them, nurturing a joy for learning and a passion to pursue their interests. More information can be found at http://www.icademy.com.

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP7dg2dzkF0

SOURCE K12 International Academy