Online education leader hosts annual commencement exercises
Local Resident Walks in James Madison High School Graduation Ceremony
NORCROSS, Georgia – July 26, 2011 –Ashworth College and James Madison High School welcomed over 1,000 graduates, faculty, family and friends to the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, GA for its 2011 graduation ceremony on Saturday, July 16, 2011. 219 graduates attended, representing each of the school’s online high school and college degree, certificate and diploma programs.
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Among this year’s graduates, resident JyTeria Turner received a high school diploma.
Dr. Leslie Gargiulo, Ashworth (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu) College Vice President of Education presided over the ceremony and was joined on stage by John Riser, Ashworth’s Director of Operations. Ashworth alumnus Falan Taylor, professional chef, author, and host of the online cooking program Housewife Cuisine delivered this year’s commencement address.
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“You have come a long way, graduates… in more ways than just your travels to get here today,” said Dr. Gargiulo in her opening speech. “Distance Education is not easy. It requires great drive and discipline and it’s clear each of you possess these characteristics.”
“Today is a celebration of your success and all of us at Ashworth hope that in some small way we have been able to bring learning experience and achievement in your life,” she continued. “Be proud of your diploma and degree from Ashworth as it signifies a major, recognized and accredited accomplishment.”
Attending a live graduation ceremony has special significance for Ashworth graduates. The average Ashworth student completes their education online, from home, anywhere in the world without stepping foot in a classroom or ever meeting an instructor face-to-face. Not only does graduation honor a long-standing tradition shared by students worldwide, for Ashworth grads it is quite possibly the first live interaction with faculty, staff and other students. 2011 graduates also had the opportunity meet more than 50 instructors and staff members present at this year’s ceremony.
About Ashworth College and James Madison High School
As an online school leader, Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence spanning 25 years, offering students worldwide more than 115 online college degrees, online certificate programs and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth offers military education as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.
Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. James Madison High School is further accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). SACS CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED. For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu.
