Dressed in navy blue gowns and hanging gold stoles, the inaugural graduating class of Artemis Virtual Academy walked across the stage of the Von Braun Center on Thursday, May 22.
Dr. Jennifer McKinney, quoting Buzz Lightyear, charged the 47 graduates to find their "infinity and beyond." She also encouraged them to stay humble, show compassion and to be true to themselves.
"It was exciting to have such a diverse, unique and spirited group of seniors joining Artemis in its first year to become the first graduating class of Huntsville City's newest educational endeavor," McKinney said.
Senior Abigail Howard performed the Beatles' song "In My Life" and senior Issabella Gordon addressed the students in the official senior address.
"The lessons we have been taught within our classes are important but the truly important ones are those we learn outside of them-how to fear, how to win and how to lose," Gordon said. "Those are the lessons that helped shape you into the person you are today."
The first Aviator Award was given to senior Alexander Sanchez. The award, voted on by the faculty, recognized Sanchez for his devotion to his academic achievement and his charismatic personality.
"Alexander had a vibrant personality and showed perseverance in his academics," McKinney said. "The faculty appreciated his efforts."