21st Century Cyber Charter Schools is proud to announce the graduation of the Class of 2021!

The ceremonies celebrated the 50 students that graduated this January along with the school’s 204 June graduates. Featuring remarks from Interim CEO/ Director of Curriculum, Brian Cote, several student speakers, and a presentation of the class by principal, Monica Frank, the school was proud to organize such successful ceremonies for its graduates.

21CCCS recognizes that the 2020-2021 school year included a variety of challenges for students, but the school’s community has done an excellent job looking after the needs and wellbeing of its members. Due to low case numbers in Pennsylvania at the time of graduation, 21CCCS was able to host in-person graduation ceremonies to the excitement of students and faculty. It was a joyous occasion to see the 21CCCS community share this moment after a long year of putting in-person events on hold!

For the events, 21CCCS had three student speakers share their insights with the graduating class and their loved ones: Mikenna Katarski, Lizbeth Rivera, and Grayson Hale.

Makenna Katarski- who spoke at the Murrysville ceremony- provided a touching summary of the difficulties that students faced during the pandemic, underscored with hope for the future.

“…lockdown was a daunting task for many of us. But while the world was ablaze with uncertainty and brawls over toiletries, I found my escape through US History, Creative Writing, British Literature, and my supportive interactions with teachers and staff.

It was also in these solitary moments however, that I came to the decision of choosing a career in teaching myself, a choice that I attribute greatly to the kindness, generosity, and friendship that was shown to me at my time with 21st Century Cyber Charter School.”

Grayson Hale, at the King of Prussia ceremony, gave an excellent speech on the ways that National Honor Society and 21CCCS community gave him the tools to assist others. Hale detailed the volunteering that he had the opportunity to facilitate during the pandemic. Last summer, he organized an event called the “Puppy Parade”, where he and 30 friends and family walked around a local nursing home with dogs to entertain residents.

All the student speakers noted how much the 21CCCS community assisted with their development as students and individuals as they begin their next adventures. Makenna maintains that her three years at 21st Century Cyber Charter School included unfathomable growth that she will pay forward to the next generation of learners as a teacher herself. Grayson shared a touching tidbit about how his teacher, Mr. Chu, made the trip to see two of his musicals- teaching him a valuable lesson about showing up for others. Lizbeth’s remarks, similarly, spoke to how the support of the 21CCCS community empowered to pursue her goals.

Monica Frank and Brian Cote’s remarks to the graduating class included words of both encouragement and congratulations. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”, Monica Frank stated to graduates citing Henry David Thoreau.

The 21CCCS community is incredibly proud of what the class of 2021 was able to accomplish this year. Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, students were able to complete their work while remaining optimistic about what the future will bring. 21CCCS wishes all the graduates success as they start on their next paths!