Greater Commonwealth Virtual School Graduates 124 Students from 90 Massachusetts Communities

The Greater Commonwealth Virtual School (GCVS) is pleased to congratulate 124 students from 90 different communities across the state who graduated on June 9 at the Ja’Duke Center For The Performing Arts in Turners Falls. 

Though based in Greenfield, the Greater Commonwealth Virtual School (GCVS) is home to students from across the state, providing a quality education to those who find a virtual environment a better fit than traditional public schools. 

GCVS is a tuition-free public school of choice with direct oversight from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Kira Petrik, of Charlton, earned GCVS’ Founder’s Award as she graduated at age 16. 

The Susan D. Hollins Founder’s Award is given in honor of the original founder/superintendent of the Greater Commonwealth Virtual School. The Founder’s Award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies the characteristics of courage, scholarship, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Students are nominated by members of the GCVS faculty and the award recipient is selected by the administration.

Petrik attended GCVS from 2011 to 2023, completed an Advanced Placement course her senior year. She also participated in GCVS’ dual enrollment program, earning college credit at Greenfield Community College, tuition- and fee-free. 

“GCVS has helped me learn to not only overcome my fears but to acknowledge and embrace them. GCVS has taught me how to be a courageous, considerate, and curious person as well as how to forge forward in education,” Petrik said at graduation. “My GCVS experience will forever be a huge and wonderful part of my life, and I hope it will be the same for all my fellow graduates. The world is overdue for brilliant minds, kind hearts, and ambitious ideas like ours, so let’s get out there and make a difference!”

Petrik is now planning to attend the University of Maine Orono to study environmental science. 

Other GCVS graduates were accepted to colleges and universities that include UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, Salve Regina University, Michigan State, University of Pittsburgh, Emmanuel College, Smith College, Fitchburg State University, Mount Holyoke College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Merrimack College, Westfield State University, University of Connecticut, Suffolk University, Roger Williams University, Bridgewater State University, Framingham State University, Fisher College, Simmons University, Franklin Pierce University, Penn State University, University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, Arizona State University, University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health and Johnson & Wales University.

After completing their studies at GCVS, many graduates have exciting plans for their future. Some intend to attend trade schools to gain specialized skills, while others are eager to join the workforce and contribute to their communities. There are also those who have made the decision to serve their country and join the military. These graduates are a testament to the limitless potential and ambition that can be found within GCVS graduates.