Press Release: Laurel Springs School Hosts In-Person Graduation Ceremony; Prom for Online Students

6/20/19

Online Private School Wraps Up Annual Year-End Celebrations in Orlando, Fla.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. – June 20, 2019 – Laurel Springs School (LSS), a fully accredited online private school with offices in West Chester, Pa., and Ojai, Calif., hosted its annual Year-End Celebrations in Orlando, Fla., from June 12 to June 14.

As part of the school’s social life and community efforts, the celebrations recognize the academic achievements and milestones of Laurel Springs students while also providing the quintessential high school experience for students who might not meet face-to-face otherwise. Events include:

  • Induction Ceremony for National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) inductees
  • Commencement Ceremony for Graduating Seniors, featuring a keynote speech by renowned climber and author John Beede
  • Pizza Party Social
  • Secret Garden Prom for students in grades eight through 12

The class of 2019 saw nearly 450 graduates matriculating to more than 150 colleges overall, with more than 60 of those graduates in attendance at commencement. In total, more than 100 students attended Year-End Celebrations, and those who were not graduating participated as inductees to NHS or NJHS or as attendees of the school’sSecret Garden-themed prom, inspired by the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

A major highlight of this year’s celebrations was commencement speaker John Beede, a widely recognized climber who has summited Mount Everest. Beede also works as a motivational speaker and author of Climb On! Success Strategies for Teens. In his speech to the Laurel Springs Class of 2019, he covered a number of topics, including ambitious goal-setting; careful and effective planning and preparation; finding motivation to pursue goals in spite of your detractors; and encouragement to “pay it forward.”

“This is the time for leaders like you to emerge,” Beede said in his speech. “Leaders like you to give back and leaders like you who will tackle the problems that our world faces. It will take creative thinkers, and you are one. It will take dedicated practicioners, and you are one. It will take courageous fighters, and you are one.”

Beede’s sentiments proved inspirational to the school’s students and families, some of whom took to Instagram to share kind words about their experience with Laurel Springs. Jordi Triulzi, a graduating senior from Italy, shared on his Instagram account:

“Thanks @laurelsprings for such a professional & high academic offer, teachers and support! Road to high level sport should not preclude good academic preparation along the athlete path. […] They just need the right academic system and structures that understand and support the sacrifices and challenges they deal with daily. Time for the next challenge.”

“[Year-End Celebrations were] such a pleasure all around,” said one Laurel Springs parent. “Please extend our thanks and gratitude to the entire LSS team. It was the perfect ending to a challenging year, and [my child] at one point said, 'This is the best week of my life!'"

A leader in online education, LSS offers nearly 200 college preparatory courses during the school-year, including more than 75 electives in many areas of interest for upper schoolstudents. Additionally, the school’s faculty comprises supportive, highly qualified teacherslocated across the United States. In 2018, Laurel Springs ranked in the top 10 percent globally for students scoring a three or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, and the graduating class of 2018 earned more than $10.5 million in scholarships.

Families who are ready to explore a Laurel Springs education are invited to read ourschool profile and attend a virtual open house. For more information, please visit laurelsprings.com.

About Laurel Springs School

Laurel Springs School is a fully accredited private online school offering a challenging K-12 academic program that honors each student’s individual learning style and educational needs. Our school is designed for the college preparatory student who wishes to grow and excel academically and personally while maintaining a flexible schedule.