GOAL Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in 2025

GOAL Digital Academy proudly celebrated its Class of 2025 during a heartfelt and inspiring graduation ceremony on May 16, 2025, honoring 157 graduates, the largest class in the school’s history. The evening began with a student-led Pledge of Allegiance by Michael Lay of Delaware, Ohio, a graduating senior entering the Marine Corps.

Superintendent Tish Jenkins then offered a warm welcome to the graduates, their families, friends, staff, and Board of Education members in attendance. In her address, Mrs. Jenkins celebrated not only academic achievement but also the resilience and unique journeys of each student. She emphasized that GOAL’s Class of 2025 exemplifies what it means to be Known, Valued, and Successful, recognizing that while some paths were smooth and others filled with challenges, each graduate reached this milestone

through determination and growth. She acknowledged the unwavering support of families, the dedication of GOAL staff, and the strength of the school’s seven learning labs and two affiliate partners. Jenkins also encouraged graduates to remain lifelong learners, curious, open, and ready to grow in an ever-changing world.

Following the welcome, School Counselor Angeline Burke took the stage to announce the top 10% of the graduating class, honoring their academic excellence and leadership. Among the top achievers were Valedictorian David Mahek and Salutatorian Shelby Lozier, both representing GOAL's Galion Learning Lab.

Five student speakers then shared powerful reflections and personal stories: Valedictorian David Mahek (Galion Lab), Skyler Andrews (Delaware Lab), Jenna Roof (Galion Lab), Austin Stull (Marion Lab), and Adyson Smith (Delaware Lab). Each speaker offered heartfelt insights into their educational journey, highlighting perseverance, growth, and meaningful connection. Their diverse experiences underscored the impact of GOAL’s flexible, student-centered model and painted a vivid picture of what it means to be supported, seen, and empowered in a virtual learning environment.

English teacher Stephanie Frisch announced the 2025 Lifelong Learning Scholarship recipients: Matthew Doubledee (Cardington Lab), Caden Bistline (Mansfield Lab), and Andrea Baker (Delaware Lab). The scholarship, a staff-sponsored award led by a dedicated committee of GOAL educators, honors students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education, personal growth, and community involvement. While these recipients may be pursuing non-traditional post-secondary paths, such as entrepreneurship, skilled trades, or alternative programs, their ambition and drive reflect the broad and meaningful definition of lifelong learning embraced at GOAL.

Graduates were recognized for their achievements with seven distinct honor cords, representing excellence in academics, attendance, the arts, service, and career readiness, before being formally presented with their diplomas. Each cord celebrated a specific area of accomplishment: Top 10% of the Class, Honor Roll, Exemplary Attendance, Career Technical Education (CTE), Honorary Art Awards, Community Service, and External CTE Participation.

The evening also included an emotional tribute honoring those who passed in 2025, senior Gaige Jackson and longtime staff member Missy Clark, whose memories were honored with a moment of silence. Superintendent Jenkins concluded the ceremony by formally introducing the Class of 2025, describing them as a generation marked by strength, adaptability, and resilience. These graduates have not only witnessed a rapidly evolving world, but they’ve also played an active role in shaping it.

As they head into careers, college, military service, entrepreneurship, and other new chapters, they carry with them the values and determination that are at the heart of the GOAL Digital Academy experience.

For more information about GOAL Digital Academy, please visit www.goaldigital.org.