"Thank you for daily encouragement. Thank you for teaching us how to be better versions of ourselves," said Kayleigh Guthrie, to Falcon Virtual Academy teachers during her commencement speech. "You guys are truly set apart from the rest of the teachers in the world."

 

56 students graduated May 15 from Falcon Virtual Academy, an online and blended learning school. Family, friends and supporters packed the main learning space as the school's fifth graduating class received their high school diplomas. "This is amazing, this is how it should be," Dave Knoche, principal, said.

 

"Everyone has a home at FVA," Brianna Hatfield, student of the year, said during one of three student commencement speeches. "Our stories were different, our paths were intertwined. I'll remember you for the rest of my life."

 

The 90 minute commencement ceremony was live streamed by District 49 for family and friends that weren't able to attend or are serving overseas. For the first time in the school's history, the graduation was streamed live online. The stream is archived on YouTube here.

 

Coca-Cola Scholarship - Kayleigh Guthrie

Coca-Cola Scholarship - Monica Michael

FVA Growth Award - Tynan Danser

FVA Service Award - Cassidy Dungan

FVA Academic Scholar Award - Brandon Breeden

FVA Student of the Year - Brianna Hatfield