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Penn Foster Group Celebrates 2025 Graduation Ceremony

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Penn Foster Group will celebrate its annual graduation ceremony at the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia. With more than 1,600 graduates from all 50 states, as well as several international attendees, this event marks a significant milestone for learners who have successfully completed high school, college, and career training programs.

The ceremony will reflect the diversity of the Penn Foster community, showcasing graduates who have followed various pathways and life experiences. Over 81 different programs will be represented, with graduates spanning 13 graduation years. This year's celebration is particularly notable as it honors the accomplishments of more than 87,000 learners who completed their programs in 2024, emphasizing the organization's commitment to facilitating equitable and flexible educational pathways that promote economic mobility.

A Night to Remember

The theme for this year's graduation, "Let Your Light Shine," encapsulates the celebratory nature of the event. Keynote speaker John Quiñones, renowned journalist and host of What Would You Do?, will offer insights and inspiration to the graduates. The national anthem will be performed by graduate Monynaie LaShay Princess Asia Angel Llexis Murry, adding to the spirited atmosphere of the ceremony. In addition, speeches from Chief Learning Officer Andy Shean and the 2025 Penn Foster Graduate of the Year, Monet Carter, will highlight the achievements and aspirations of the graduates.

Kermit Cook, CEO of Penn Foster Group, expressed the significance of this event: "Seeing our graduates walk across the stage is the highlight of our year and a powerful reminder of what's possible when learners are given the tools and support to succeed. Each graduate represents a story of perseverance, growth, and ambition. We are proud to honor their journeys and excited to see them step confidently into the bright futures they have built for themselves."

Outstanding Graduates

This year, five exceptional individuals will be recognized as Graduate of the Year winners for their dedication to academic excellence, resilience, and community impact:

• - Monet Carter (Penn Foster High School)

A graduate from Atlanta who has confronted health challenges, particularly sickle cell disease and mental health issues, Monet turned to online learning to continue her education. She is set to begin training as an EMT at Atlanta Technical College this fall.

• - Morgan Combs (Ashworth College)

A teen mother who balanced her education with raising a child, Morgan is now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work to assist other young parents facing similar challenges.

• - Jennifer Bringas (James Madison High School)

After overcoming multiple personal hardships and caregiving responsibilities, Jennifer rediscovered her passion for education and is currently employed at a mental health facility while preparing for college.

• - MacKenzie Dargie (New York Institute of Photography)

Following two brain surgeries, MacKenzie has found purpose in photography and has established her own photography business while completing her studies online.

• - Pornnipa "Nana" Wattakumarn (New York Institute of Art and Design)

Working as a flight attendant, Nana creatively merged her love for travel with her jewelry-making passion, leveraging the flexibility of online education to develop her craft.

Monet Carter, one of the Graduate of the Year winners, remarked about her experience: "My journey to this stage wasn't easy, but Penn Foster provided the flexible path I needed to succeed when my health challenges made traditional school feel impossible. This graduation means the world to me, and I hope my story encourages others to know that no obstacle is too big to overcome on the way to your dreams."

Advancing Online Education

As Penn Foster Group looks forward to its 2025 graduation, it reflects on a period of sustained growth and innovation. The organization is dedicated to enhancing student outcomes through investments in technology and research. From developing learner-centered course designs to improving integrated support systems for students, Penn Foster Group is committed to providing high-quality education that is both accessible and conducive to workforce readiness and economic advancement.

As nontraditional learning continues to gain prominence, Penn Foster Group remains unwavering in its mission to foster accessible educational pathways, equipping learners with the skills necessary for future job markets.

For further details about the Penn Foster Group’s graduation, visit Penn Foster Group Graduation.

Founded in 1890, Penn Foster Group revolutionized distance education by catering to the needs of coal miners through mail-based training. Today, it continues this mission by offering a wide range of educational programs aimed at fostering economic mobility through knowledge and skills that align with the evolving job landscape.