Penn Foster Group to Celebrate Graduates from Across the Nation at 2025 Atlanta Ceremony

August 13, 2025

Leading online education provider honors 1,600+ learners from diverse backgrounds and life stages

ATLANTA, Georgia — [August 13, 2025] — On Saturday, August 16th, Penn Foster Group, a leading provider of online education and workforce training programs, will host its annual in-person graduation ceremony at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia. More than 1,600 graduates from across all 50 states—and several traveling internationally—will walk the stage to celebrate the completion of high school, college, and career training programs.

The graduates represent 81 different programs and 13 graduation years, reflecting the diverse pathways and life experiences that define Penn Foster Group’s learning community. The event also honors the achievements of more than 87,000 Penn Foster Group learners who have completed their programs in 2024, underscoring the organization’s commitment to creating equitable, flexible pathways to economic mobility.

This year’s celebration, themed “Let Your Light Shine,” will feature keynote remarks from award-winning journalist and What Would You Do? host John Quinoñes, a performance of the national anthem by graduate Monynaie LaShay Princess Asia Angel Llexis Murry, and speeches from Chief Learning Officer Andy Shean and 2025 Penn Foster Graduate of the Year Monet Carter.

“Seeing our graduates walk across the stage is the highlight of our year and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when learners are given the tools and support to succeed,” said Kermit Cook, CEO of Penn Foster Group. “Each graduate represents a story of perseverance, growth, and ambition. We are proud to honor their journeys and excited to see them step confidently into the bright futures they have built for themselves."

This year, Penn Foster Group is honoring five Graduate of the Year winners for their academic achievements, perseverance, and impact in their communities:

Monet Carter (Penn Foster High School) – An Atlanta-based graduate navigating sickle cell disease and mental health challenges, Monet turned to online learning to continue her education on her own terms. She plans to begin training as an EMT at Atlanta Technical College this fall.
Morgan Combs (Ashworth College) – A teen mom who completed her high school and college education while raising a child, Morgan is now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work to support other young parents.
Jennifer Bringas (James Madison High School) – After a series of personal losses and caregiving responsibilities, Jennifer rediscovered her love for education and now works full-time at a mental health facility while preparing for college.
MacKenzie Dargie (New York Institute of Photography) – After undergoing two brain surgeries, MacKenzie found purpose in photography and has since built her own photography business while completing her coursework online.
Pornnipa “Nana” Wattakumarn (New York Institute of Art & Design) – While working as a flight attendant, Nana utilized the flexibility of online education to pursue her passion for creating jewelry, often blending her love for travel to craft styles that bring joy to friends.

"My journey to this stage wasn't easy, but Penn Foster provided the flexible path I needed to succeed when my health challenges made traditional school feel impossible,” said Carter. “This graduation means the world to me, and I hope my story encourages others to know that no obstacle is too big to overcome on the way to your dreams."

This year’s graduation caps a period of continued momentum for Penn Foster Group, as the organization invests in technology and research to enhance student outcomes. From launching new learner-centered course design models to streamlining the student experience through integrated support systems, the organization is focused on delivering flexible, high-quality education at scale. As demand for nontraditional learning rises, Penn Foster Group remains committed to building accessible pathways that support workforce readiness and long-term economic mobility for learners nationwide.

For more information about Penn Foster Group’s 2025 graduation, please visit: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation.

Penn Foster Group

At Penn Foster Group, we are transforming online learning to help learners by bringing together Penn Foster, Ashworth College, James Madison High School, the New York Institute of Photography, the New York Institute of Art and Design, and other education platforms. Together, we create pathways to greater economic mobility through real-world skills and knowledge that may enable them to achieve long-term success in the workplaces of the future. Our history dates back to 1890 when our founder, Thomas Foster, pioneered distance education by offering training by mail for coal miners to get the necessary skills for safer jobs. Today, with the partners who use our education and training programs, we continue that mission of providing accessible training and education for in-demand skills and are building a workforce that's prepared for the future job market.