OLYMPIC COACH TO ADDRESS CLASS OF 2022 AT FAIRMONT PREPARATORY ACADEMY COMMENCEMENT

ANAHEIM, Calif., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JJ Thomas, 2002 Olympic bronze medal winner, coach of multiple Olympic US snowboarders (including Shaun White), and mentor and head coach of the US Snowboard and Halfpipe Development Team, will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2022 during Fairmont Preparatory Academy's commencement ceremony on May 26 at Pearson Park Amphitheater in Anaheim. A reception for parents and alumni will be held at 4:30 pm, followed by the graduation ceremony at 6:00 pm.

Thomas will draw from many of his personal experiences as a competitive snowboarder and coach as he brings a message that will focus on the importance of perseverance and the value of embracing failure – one of life's greatest teachers.

"After spending half of their high school years in a global pandemic, our graduates have come to understand the merits of being tenacious and picking themselves up when things don't go their way," said Carolyn Lucia, Head of School at Fairmont Preparatory Academy (Fairmont Prep) and Managing Director of Fairmont Campuses. "JJ will speak to these things, encouraging our graduates to grow throughout their difficulties and failures, and challenging them to do the types of things which have led to success for himself and the athletes he has coached: make smart choices, use their gifts, and exhibit steadfast dedication."

In his profession as a coach and mentor, JJ has focused on high-level performers – the same type of individuals he will be addressing at Fairmont Prep, which boasts a student population characterized by high achievement. As has been true historically at "the Prep," this year's graduates received offers from many of the nation's top colleges and universities, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Rice, Cal Berkeley, and USC.

JJ's message will also resonate with Prep students because he will be speaking to the importance of having a "growth mindset," something which is intrinsic in a Fairmont education. 

But one thing is certain – whether graduate, family member, teacher, staff, or member of the community – everyone will benefit from what JJ has to share. 

About Fairmont Preparatory Academy:
Built on a foundation of rigorous and robust academics, Fairmont Preparatory Academy's educational program is second to none. Students have the opportunity to take advantage of specialty programming like the Advanced Science and Engineering Program, International Business Program, and International Baccalaureate Program -- all within a small class size setting, and alongside like-minded, enterprising peers. 

Recognizing the importance of teaching students to balance their academic drive with exploration and personal development, Fairmont Prep provides a wealth of extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletics and arts opportunities. It's a safe and respectful environment where students can be who they are, work to who they want to become, and know that they will be accepted. 

A Fairmont Prep student is motivated, enthusiastic, kind, considerate, and thoughtful. By integrating social and emotional learning into its programming, the school provides the perfect environment for students to become the best version of themselves they can be.

Fairmont Prep is part of the Fairmont family of schools – Orange County's oldest and largest secular, co-educational preschool - 12th grade private school. Voted Best Private School in Orange County for eight consecutive years, Fairmont is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and Cognia, and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. 

For more information, visit the school's website.

SOURCE Fairmont Schools