Speaking at the Lawrence Virtual School High School Academy graduation, Jerri Kemble, assistant superintendent for educational technology programs, started off by saying that she had done some research. What followed was a slideshow of American presidents, authors and other public figures as varied as Abraham Lincoln, Condoleezza Rice and Robert Frost.

Theresa Coddington, of Overland Park, left, a mentor to Alexander Hilliand, center, and former teacher Diana Menke embrace after the Lawrence Virtual School graduation ceremony Saturday at Southwest Middle School.

“All of these amazing people were educated at home,” Kemble told the graduates. “My research tells me that you are in excellent company.”

Kemble went on to say that she’s noticed three things about virtual school students: They value education, are not afraid of failure and see things differently. The last characteristic is one that all the speakers seemed to recognize — that virtual school is not a common choice and in turn offers students an uncommon perspective.

“You dared to be part of a virtual school and learn in a new and unconventional way,” she said.

The 58 graduates, in metallic blue robes and caps with silver tassels, took part in the LVS High School Academy commencement ceremony at Southwest Middle School on Saturday afternoon. LVS is an online school launched in 2004 for Kansas students in kindergarten through 12th grades that connects students with teachers, curriculum and other virtual students.

Kemble said a virtual education may be the path less traveled, but that path can lead the students to unique places. She quoted the last few lines of Frost’s famous poem, “The Road Not Taken”:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.”

Sara Drake, the LVS High School Academy valedictorian, recognized that although Saturday was the first time many of them had met in person, the students shared the common experience of taking that less-traveled path.

“Our lives look a little bit different than everyone else’s,” she said. “At some point along the way, each of us decided to take control of our education — to choose a path that worked better for us.”

Drake told her fellow graduates that no matter what they were going on to do — be it going to college, taking a year off or getting a job — she wanted them to remember to live a life that is unique.

“As we go our separate ways, remember to make your decisions not based on what others are doing, but based on what feels right to you,” she said.

LVS Principal Keith Wilson echoed Drake’s sentiments. After thanking the families for all the effort they put forth in educating their students, Wilson urged the graduates to be careful of who influences them.

“Don’t just listen to the loudest voice, listen to the truest voice,” he said.