Questions on enrolling?
Questions on enrolling?
Questions on enrolling?
It’s that time of year! We’re here to recognize and celebrate our amazing JMHS Graduate of the Year finalists! Our five finalists were selected out of over 60 submissions from recent graduates–the decision was very difficult, but as you read more about these finalists, you’ll see why they were selected. We are so proud of our finalists–and all our graduates–for working hard to finish their programs.
Let’s meet JMHS’s Graduate of the Year finalists!
Jump ahead to these high school grads:
Finalist and 2024 grad Mayte Nivar lives in the Dominican Republic and overcame social anxiety while earning her high school diploma at JMHS. She also discovered her passion for writing and is looking to turn that into a career in helping her country adopt educational alternatives.
JMHS: Can you tell us about your experience with JMHS?
Mayte: Four years ago, when I began my journey by enrolling in JMHS, I was in a confusing period—part of adolescence, I suppose. I had just ended long-standing friendships after discovering the lies that were being whispered about me behind my back in my classroom corridors, many supported by those who called themselves my 'friends.' The option to receive education from the refuge of my home emerged as a clear escape from my peers and a guarantee that nothing like that would happen again.
JMHS: How did JMHS impact your personal growth and academic journey?
Mayte: At fourteen, I found myself completely lost in terms of my own self-knowledge. As the level of education at my old school was lower than at JMHS, I had to retake a grade. Many people assumed that because I didn't have teachers, my education was easier, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Studying subjects like mathematics without an in-person tutor was a significant challenge, but I persevered and succeeded.
JMHS: What are your plans and how has JMHS shaped them?
Mayte: My passion is none other than writing. I don't even know how to explain how alive it makes me feel to write about anything. My aspirations are many, but I simplify them into one thing: I want to make a difference in my country. From the world of journalism to education, I want to leave my mark.
Lawatkia Thompson is thirty-three years old and earned her high school diploma from her home in Atlanta, Georgia. Her struggles in her hometown of Canton, Mississippi made her long for a better life, to which her grandmother would say, 'Baby, you have to crawl before you can walk.'
JMHS: What challenges did you face?
Lawatkia: My path to James Madison wasn’t linear in any way, shape, or form. I failed. I cried. I tried again. I didn’t complete high school traditionally due to being shuffled amongst different relatives. At some point, I found myself homeless after coming out to my aunt whom I lived with at the time.
She found motivation to change her life when her niece was born. It was important for her to be a good role model to her niece. She moved out of Canton and set up her new life in Atlanta. Lawatkia began working on her high school diploma at JMHS.
JMHS: How did James Madison High School help you achieve your goals?
Lawatkia: James Madison High School created an opportunity for me to excel and gave me the flexibility to work while pursuing my education. I couldn’t be more proud of how far I’ve come.
She says with her diploma she went from crawling to walking into a better life. Her advice? “Never give up, no matter how tough things get. Stay focused on your goals, find your motivation, and keep pushing forward. And always remember, you have to crawl before you can walk."
Logging in from Slovakia, Beth Dusenkova completed high school at her own pace with JMHS. She was attending a traditional Slovakian high school but transferred to JMHS to earn her diploma. Beth “struggled with mental health issues” but found “an alternative that worked for [her]” with an online high school program. Beth told us, “Going to JMHS was the best decision I ever made. Without it, I don't think I would have finished high school." She’s starting college in the fall in the Czech Republic, majoring in criminology. She’s excited about college, especially her creative writing courses!
JMHS: So, how did JMHS prepare you for college?
Beth: It really resonated with me, especially the flexibility—no deadlines and the ability to study at my own pace. That was crucial for my mental health. Plus, the curriculum was detailed and I learned a lot."
JMHS: Did you have any favorite classes at JMHS?
Beth: I really enjoyed history, health, and the college prep English courses. I also loved Spanish—now I can speak it fluently! Actually, I speak five languages: Slovak, Czech, English, Spanish, and I'm learning French.
JMHS: What did you like most about taking classes online?
Beth: At first, it was hard to balance study and life, but once I found a routine, it became easier. I loved the flexibility—if I needed a day off, I could take it. The structured syllabus was also great because I knew exactly what to expect and could prepare accordingly."
Triston’s story is one of resilience and determination. His experience at JMHS provided the supportive environment he needed to thrive, and he’s now eager to inspire others as he moves forward on his path.
JMHS: Triston, can you tell us a bit about your journey at JMHS?
Triston: I have faced unique challenges as a high-functioning autistic individual. This experience has provided me with a safe space to grow, challenge myself, and overcome personal barriers.
JMHS: What are you most proud of as you graduate?
Triston: I am not only proud of my personal accomplishments but also excited about the potential to inspire and lead others on their own paths to overcoming challenges. My journey is a testament to what can be achieved with determination and support, and I am eager to continue making a positive impact.
Triston’s journey at JMHS is a powerful example of how perseverance and a supportive environment can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. As he moves forward, Triston is committed to using his experiences to make a positive impact in the world, driven by the lessons he’s learned in compassion, resilience, and determination.
Serenity Rice stands out not only for her academic excellence but for her resilience. At just sixteen years old, Serenity has already faced significant challenges, growing up in a low-income household with her grandmother as her primary guardian. Despite these hurdles, Serenity graduated with a 4.0 GPA and honors, and she’s now determined to pursue a career in computer science to build a brighter future for herself and her grandmother.
JMHS: Can you share what it means to you to have earned your diploma?
Serenity: Earning an education and graduating from James Madison High School means being the first high school graduate from my immediate family. This achievement is not just a personal victory; it is a testament to the perseverance and sacrifices made by my family and me. Graduating with honors signifies more than just academic excellence. It represents a breakthrough for my family, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of what can be accomplished through perseverance.
JMHS: That’s a huge accomplishment. How has your upbringing influenced your drive to succeed?
Serenity: Living in a low-income household with my grandmother, who has full custody of me, has instilled resilience and determination in me. However, it has also brought a lot of heartache and worry. Seeing her sacrifices and the toll they have taken has been heart-wrenching, fueling my drive to succeed and support her in return.
JMHS: How has your experience at JMHS shaped your outlook on the future?
Serenity: This experience has instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and a drive to continue striving for excellence in all future endeavors. My education at JMHS has been about more than acquiring knowledge; it’s about developing the confidence and skills to navigate both familiar and unknown paths. I’m committed to using my education as a foundation to build a better future, not just for myself, but for my family and community.
Serenity’s journey through JMHS is a powerful testament to the impact of resilience, determination, and the desire to create a better future.
Earning a high school diploma from an online school like JMHS can help you pursue your dream career and give you an alternative to traditional school. With our online high school and college prep programs, you can earn a diploma on your schedule, wherever you are.
If our graduates’ stories have inspired you, call our Admissions Team at 1-800-349-6861 or request more info to learn more about our high school and college prep diplomas.
Lauren Ambrosio is a lifelong writer with a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington. She joined Penn Foster in 2023 and is excited to be part of a team with such a rich history. She hopes to help our learners by providing helpful information they need on their education and career journeys. When Lauren isn’t writing about our veterinary programs—her favorite topic—she is hiking the foothills of Pikes Peak with her black lab, Remy.
