eDCSD: The Colorado Cyber Schools Celebrates First Ever Graduating Class

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When eDCSD: The Colorado Cyber School opened its virtual doors to students in 2008, they did so with a desire to make a difference in lives of Colorado students and change the educational landscape in the county. School administrators saw their education efforts come to fruition this spring when they honored their first ever graduating class during a ceremony at Rock Canyon High School auditorium on May 26.

For the 19 members of the eDCSD Class of 2011, their success is tied directly to the options and flexibility that online learning offered them.

For Josh Decker, eDCSD allowed him the opportunity to complete his education while caring for his father, who was injured while serving in Iraq. Decker plans on attending a college for military children in the fall before enlisting himself.

Christopher Larson of Castle Rock is headed to the University of Arizona in the fall to study education, a decision that was influenced in part by his time at eDCSD. "[eDCSD] truly touched my life as a student and provided me a positive, supportive school environment. [The school] helped make my senior year an excellent year instead of a great year."

All graduates from eDCSD received a state-certified diploma from the Douglas County School District, which hosts the online learning program.  Rounding out the eDCSD Class of 2011 are:

• Olivia Bacon of Littleton; Olivia will be attending Colorado State University this fall where she will study business marketing and technical journalism.
• Jamie Bruce of Littleton; Jamie plans to pursue her passion in dance, as well as attend Red Rocks Community College to study to become an x-ray technician.
• Richard Carilo of Highlands Ranch; Richard would like to attend film school to study directing, producing, screenwriting, editing, cinematography and animation.
• Emily Daniels of Highlands Ranch; Following graduation, Emily will enter the workforce full time.
• Kelli Earnest of Aurora.
• Samantha Freitag of Parker.
• Taylor Gee of Parker.
• Kelsey Heiman of Parker; Kelsey will attend New York University in the fall to major in dance and business.
• Teal Lynn of Parker; Teal has been accepted to the Paul Mitchell School in Dallas to study hairdressing and chemical work.
• Brianna Mancini of Parker; Brianna plans to attend either Metro State or Arapahoe Community College to study art, eventually transferring to a fulltime art and film school.
• Kristen Miller of Highlands Ranch; Following graduation, Kristen plans to work and raise a family.
• Madelaine Mills of Castle Rock; Madelaine has been accepted to West Texas A&M where she will major in communications and continue her competitive rodeo career.
• Desiree Moore of Castle Rock; Desiree plans on attending a local community college to study interior design.
• Stephenie Pearson of Parker; Following graduation, Stephanie will enter the work force full time.
• Corrine Sasine of Elizabeth; Corrine will attend BYU Hawaii this fall.
• Seth Stoeber of Kiowa; Seth will be attending a community college to study criminal justice while pursuing his passion of competing in rodeo.
• Paul Ton of Parker.

"Each graduate possesses a unique story, an individual journey that led them to this time and place. But what they have in common is a pioneering spirit," said Sohne Vanselus, director of eDCSD. "Our students chose a non-traditional path and successfully applied themselves to the world of online learning. They took ownership of their learning; they bridged the gap between school and 'real' life. They are the epitome of 21st century learners."

During their time at eDCSD, students developed their time management skills, balancing their challenging course loads with fulltime work schedules, athletic and artistic endeavors, or community service projects, explained Vansleus. Students expressed creativity in a digital world through class projects, blog posts, and research papers and learned to effectively communicate their beliefs and ideas through lively debates and social interactions with other students.

"These graduates, the first class of graduates from eDCSD, have molded and shaped our environment for years to come. We are extremely proud of what they have accomplished," Vansleus said.  

"As we look to the future, we are honored and excited to provide the students of Colorado with a quality education from kindergarten through high school and look forward to celebrating the graduation of many more students."

To learn more about eDCSD: The Colorado Cyber School, visit us online at http://edcsd.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eDCSD.

Note: eDCSD: The Colorado Cyber School began in 2008, serving students in kindergarten through 10th grade. The following year they began accepting 11th grade students, and in the fall of 2010, enrolled their first group of seniors.

Contact: Toni Cicone Craig | 724.544.3744

SOURCE eDCSD: The Colorado Cyber School