The Commonwealth Connections Academy (CCA)-Lehighton held its commencement at Penn’s Peak, Jim Thorpe last night. Thirty-one students entered to the music of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Each wore a black gown with a cap and tassel. They looked just like any other graduating class. But CCA graduates have one distinction-many had never even met their teachers in person. That’s because CCA, accredited by the Middle States Association, is free public cyber school, an online school that serves students in grades K-12 with state-certified teachers and full-time licensed school counselors.

Greg Gettle, CCA high school principal welcomed the graduates and their family and friends to the second graduating class from Lehighton. He said that CCA is growing rapidly. Last year there were 104 graduates from four locations throughout Pennsylvania-Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Butler and Lehighton. This year there are 230 graduates. There are 33 from the Lehighton area.

“People wonder what happens to our students after graduation. Just like any other school, we have many 2010 students who have earned scholarships and many are going on to further their educations, some are entering the armed forces and others plan to enter the work field. I think it speaks well of the class of 2010.”

He shared with everyone the good news that starting with the Juniors of 2010, they will be entitled to a $1,000 scholarship, Sophomores of 2010 will receive a $2,000 scholarship and Freshmen of 2010 will receive a $3,000 scholarship upon graduation.

He told the parents of the graduating class of 2010 that they were as much a part of graduation as the graduates and promised them that while they may not be appreciated by their sons and daughters today, they will in years to come.

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