Celebrating a Milestone: Volunteer State Virtual Academy’s Largest Graduating Class Yet

Students from across Tennessee came together in person to mark a proud moment of achievement, community, and next steps

On May 20, 2025, the Tennessee Ballroom in the James Union Building at Middle Tennessee State University buzzed with excitement, pride, and possibility as Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) honored its graduating class of 2025. In a scene that combined tradition with the spirit of innovation, 122 VSVA graduates were celebrated, marking the largest graduating class in the school’s history.

As tassels were turned, mortarboards tossed, and proud families applauded, the moment captured the essence of what VSVA represents: a new model of education that still honors timeless traditions. Some students added flair to their graduation regalia by decorating their mortarboards with personal messages and symbols, showing the individuality and creativity that VSVA encourages throughout the academic journey.

VSVA, a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 across Tennessee, has long embraced the accessibility that virtual learning offers. But graduation day is a poignant reminder that behind every screen is a student with dreams, challenges, and a story worth celebrating.

The Road Ahead: Class of 2025 Plans for the Future

Based on a survey of this year’s graduates, the post-secondary paths reflect a diverse and determined student body:

52% plan to enroll in college, university, or a technical school, continuing their education and preparing for careers in a range of fields.
1% will serve their country by entering the military.
33% are ready to dive directly into the job market.
14% are still exploring their next steps.

A graduation speaker stands behind a clear podium addressing the graduates seated in the foreground. The scene is dimly lit with dark curtains and the graduates’ caps partially visible as silhouettes.

Many of these graduates are bolstered by financial assistance through Tennessee’s TN Promise and HOPE Scholarship programs, helping ensure that cost is not a barrier to their aspirations. Among the graduates, one standout received a full-tuition, four-year athletic scholarship to Christian Brothers University, a testament to the talent and drive fostered at VSVA. Another graduate earned two renewable scholarships totaling $5,500 per year to the University of Memphis, illustrating how opportunity can thrive in virtual settings.

A Day of Pride and Possibility

Though students have logged into classes from all corners of the state, graduation brought them together—physically, many for the first time—to share in the joy of their accomplishments. For families, educators, and students alike, the ceremony was a moving reminder that even in a virtual environment, real bonds and real success stories are being built every day.

As the class of 2025 heads into the future, their graduation is more than a celebration of past achievements—it’s a launchpad for what’s next. Whether they are entering higher education, stepping into the workforce, serving their country, or still exploring their path, these students have already demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and determination—qualities that will serve them well beyond the virtual classroom.