PA Cyber to Graduate 1,500 in Ceremonies at Pittsburgh, Harrisburg

Graduates going on to higher education, workforce, missions, military

PITTSBURGH, June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 1,500 graduates in the Class of 2011 will receive high school diplomas this month from the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. It is PA Cyber's largest graduating class by far, said CEO Dr. Nick Trombetta. Last year's graduating class numbered just over 1,000.

PA Cyber commencement exercises are to be held on two successive Saturdays on opposite ends of the Keystone State: at 3 p.m. June 4 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, and at 5 p.m. June 11 at the Forum in the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg.

Graduate William Cattron of Greenville, Pa., is to deliver the senior address at Pittsburgh, while Hannah Tuffy of Clarks Summit, Pa., speaks for graduates at Harrisburg. Cattron already has nine college credits and plans to major in biology at Pennsylvania State University's Erie campus. Tuffy has earned 21 college credits and will major in pre-medicine at Cedarville University.

Dr. Trombetta said about two-thirds of the graduates plan to go on to college or training schools. Others will go directly into the workforce, begin families, enter the military or go on religious missions.

Clad in blue cap and gown, as each graduate crosses the stage to receive his or her diploma from Dr. Trombetta, an announcer will share information on the student's hometown, parents, major accomplishments, scholarships and plans for the future. With the formation of a National Honor Society chapter at PA Cyber this year, NHS membership will be recognized.

The biographies and plans of the Class of 2011 show a rich diversity of interests and achievements, said Dr. Trombetta.

• Kathryn Spencer of Indiana plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in Japanese language.
• Ian Mainord of Camp Hill plans to attend Harrisburg Area Community College in the fall and then transfer to Oregon State University to study veterinary medicine.
• Gwyneth Fowler of Lenhartsville received an $80,000 academic scholarship to attend Lycoming College, where she will major in business administration.
• Alexandra Celio of Center Township will major in digital media design at the Community College of Beaver County.
• Paige Weis of Avella is already attending the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy.
• Nicholas Hochmuth of Mount Pocono plans to study meteorology.
• Steve Bertetto of Vandergrift will become an electrician's assistant.

Some of PA Cyber's graduates will travel the world, pursue a career in the arts, or enter the workforce.

• Eden Gade of Butler will train with the Boston Ballet's pre-professional program.
• Kathryn Grant of Narvon will pursue an acting career in New York City.
• Erica Rutter of Lancaster will be employed as an au pair for a family in Spain. She plans to return to the States to study languages and international affairs.
• Anthony Calise of Aston will continue an internship with Uranium TV and Film Productions; he recently auditioned as a performer for Disney and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Many graduates plan a life of service to others, to their faith or to their country through ministry, teaching, law enforcement, government or military service.

• Alexa Dectis of Orefield has already earned 59 college credits from Lehigh Carbon Community College. She plans to attend George Washington University to double major in English and politics. A singer and songwriter, she has served for several years as state goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
• Molly Tonkin of Harrisburg plans to stay involved with Special Olympics while she pursues a career in child care.
• Brittney Sanner of Connellsville plans to enlist in the Navy.
• Jocelyn Gruber of Grove City, the 2010 Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen, plans on attending Eastern University to major in secondary education to become an English teacher.
• Gary Felton of Commodore plans on joining the United States Air Force as a mechanic.
• Dillon Wack of Troy plans to work part-time and serve in ministry for the Jehovah's Witnesses.
• Kristy Walker of Susquehanna plans to take a civil service exam to obtain a position with the postal service.
• Chelsea Budzinski of Ellwood City is considering applying to a police academy.
• Robert Halstead of Georgetown plans to enlist in the Navy.
• Kadi Hardi of Middletown plans to enroll in the National Guard and attend a four-year college to major in special education.
• Roman Fissel of York graduates as a junior and is pursuing a career as an American sign language interpreter.

About PA Cyber

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School was founded in 2000 as the first statewide K-12 cyber charter school, and graduated 16 seniors in its first class in 2001. The largest charter school in the state with an enrollment of 10,000, it also is the largest charter school of any type in the nation ever to make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress), the federal measurement of school effectiveness. The website is www.pacyber.org.

Contact Fred Miller, communications coordinator, [email protected] , 724.777.5918

SOURCE PA Cyber Charter School