In a room filled with family, friends, and loved ones, 36 students were honored at the Oxford Virtual Academy (OVA) graduation ceremony, held in the Oxford High School Performing Arts Center June 30.

Twenty-nine of those students, who had attended OVA, received their high school diplomas that evening.

The remaining students, fourth-year students of the Oxford Schools Early College (OSEC) program, will receive their diplomas next year in their fifth and final year within the program.

The OVA program is designed to serve students who are seeking a more flexible core education schedule. The program features a 24/7 online school, but can also include seated classes within the district, to provide in-person teaching experiences to students when needed.

During the ceremony, students were advised by U.S. Congressman (MI-10) Paul Mitchell, who served as the keynote speaker, that they will all face hardships in life but that, with enough courage and perseverance, they will be able to overcome those and achieve their dreams.

“You don’t know right now who among you will invent the next (great company), you don’t know who will cure disease, find the answer to Alzheimer’s, who will be our next president… but, I assure you, you all have that potential. You all have the ability to do that if it’s what your passion is and you’re committed to it. Don’t waste that. The world needs it,” said Mitchell

Each student was presented with a copy of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Mitchell, to serve as a source of inspiration as they enter the next phase of their lives.

Several students were presented with awards and scholarships during the ceremony.

The $500 Pearson Virtual Pioneer Scholarship, which is awarded to students who have shown great success in virtual learning, was presented to John Marco Melucci, who graduated one year early.

Cassaundra Wallington was presented with the $500 JST Personal Growth Scholarship, which denotes a high level of personal growth.

The Mentor Award, given to the student who demonstrated the best overall achievement, was presented to Karly Thayer.

Ashley Weigers, who plans to pursue a degree to become an interpreter for American Sign Language (ASL), delivered the senior address that night.

According to Weigers, she had a difficult time becoming motivated to do well in school intially, but, with the unwavering support of her teachers and parents, she eventually realized the importance of education through the online program.

“As a freshman, I wanted my senior year to come quickly so I wouldn’t have to (attend) school anymore. But I’ve come to realize that pursuing a higher education is important and OVA has given me the motivation to do so. We’ve all worked very hard to make it here today. We should be proud of ourselves for our accomplishments,” Wiegers said.

After the presentation of diplomas, with thunderous applause, the students turned their tassels and became high school graduates.