Pinecrest Lakes Preparatory Academy marked a significant milestone with its inaugural commencement ceremony held at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center. The Class of 2024, the first to graduate from the school, boasted an impressive 98% pass rate, with 97% of graduates planning to pursue higher education.
The ceremony was an emotional occasion for everyone involved. Many of the graduates had been with Pinecrest Lakes Prep since its inception seven years ago, creating a profound sense of community and achievement.
Principal Christina Alcalde delivered heartfelt opening remarks, setting the tone for the evening. Student Government Association Class President Ella Delaney followed with a welcome address that moved many attendees to tears.
Dr. Heather Bigard, President of Lake-Sumter State College, served as the keynote speaker. She praised the students for their dedication and accomplishments, highlighting the strong partnership between the school and the college. Many graduates had dual-enrolled at Lake-Sumter, earning both their high school diplomas and associate degrees.
Commencement speaker Dr. Judith Marty, President of Doral College, spoke of her long-standing relationship with Principal Alcalde. Dr. Marty has been a significant figure in the Pinecrest Academy Inc. network, serving as Board Chair from 2002 to 2021.
Valedictorian Chancellor Cavender, an Eagle Scout, graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned 97 college credits with a 4.0 GPA, receiving his AA Degree from LSSC. Cavender will continue his academic journey at the University of Central Florida. Salutatorian Haden Anderson, also graduating Summa Cum Laude, earned 90 college credits and his AA Degree. Active in Key Club, NHS, and HSCA, Anderson will attend the University of Florida.
The prestigious Eagle Flame Award, recognizing students who embody the spirit and accomplishments in their pursuit of knowledge, was awarded to Chancellor Cavender, Audrey Davis, Jude Kempany, Max Maidhof, and Samantha Trejo.
Pinecrest Lakes Prep’s commitment to academic excellence was evident in the Class of 2024’s achievements. The average GPA for the class was a weighted 4.28 and an unweighted 3.38. Notably, 22 students, making up 37% of the graduating class, earned their AA degrees.
The inaugural commencement was not just a celebration of academic success but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, faculty, and families who supported them. Pinecrest Lakes Prep looks forward to many more successful graduations in the future.
The Colleges that PLP Class of 2024 will be attending this Fall.
Florida International University
Florida Polytechnic
Florida Southern College
Florida State University
Full Sail University
Lake Sumter State College
Mississippi State University
Nova Southeastern
University Savannah College of Art and Design
Southern Technical College
University of Central Florida
University of Florida
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Universal Technical Institute
Valencia College
