Staff reports | Pinnacle Classical Academy

Education – Sixty-eight seniors graduated from Pinnacle Classical Academy on May 30 in a ceremony in the school's gymnasium. Twenty-two of the 68 were part of the school's first kindergarten class in 2013, and 75% of the graduates received an associate's degree or certificate from Cleveland Community College along with their high school diploma.

Commencement speaker Jeremy Tate, CEO of the Classic Learning Test, said that the curriculum at Pinnacle Classical Academy, which emphasizes reason and independent thought, has prepared students well for the AI age, even if the school's founders couldn't have foreseen an AI era when they opened the school in 2013.

"The word 'uncertainty' sounds intimidating to most, but really it is something we should be excited about," class valedictorian Lily Brown said in her address to her classmates. "Uncertainty means possibility: the possibility to create our own stories."

"Our futures are not built on one perfect decision," she continued. "They are built through small choices, failures, risks, and experiences that slowly shape our lives into something meaningful."

"Thank you, staff, relatives, students for the joyous support in life you bring," said class salutatorian Rachel Liljestrand, as she paid tribute to "those who help us believe that we are worth the investments and donations, and we are able to show others kindness and love of that same degree."

"What makes this class so special is that for so many of us, we didn’t just go to school together,  we grew up together," added Macie Styers, Student Government Association president. "We’ve learned the value of integrity, the strength found in perseverance, and the importance of community -- lessons that will guide us no matter where life leads next."

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The seniors were offered a combined $6,138,100 in multi-year merit and athletic scholarships. Three-quarters of the graduates plan to enter college this fall; they will matriculate at 20 different colleges in seven states. Others will enter the workforce or serve the nation in the military.

"We are so proud of the 68 graduates of the class of 2026," said Dr. Shelly Shope, the school's CEO. "Many of them entered Pinnacle Classical Academy as kindergarteners when the school opened its doors in 2013. They truly embody the school's motto, 'Dare to Soar.'"

A week before graduation, the school hosted its annual senior sunset dinner. The members of the class of 2026 selected James Laughlin, a high school English teacher, to address them as their senior speaker.

The evening before graduation, Pinnacle Classical Academy hosted its annual senior scholarship night, during which over $43,000 in local scholarships were awarded to the class of 2026.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of area residents who have helped make college more affordable for our students," said Dr. Shope.

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Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Academy is a tuition-free K-12 public charter school in Shelby with 1,213 students. U.S. News & World Report recognizes the school as one of the best elementary schools, best middle schools, and best high schools in America.

The Shelby Independent.