By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

The Learning Center of Ellis County held commencement ceremonies Monday evening at 12th Street Auditorium in Hays.

According to director Anita Sheve, the center’s students take a nontraditional path to completing a high school graduation for a number of reasons.

“We feel like it is important to a have the option and the flexibility completing (a high school education) either in a different way or on a different pace than a traditional student,” she said. “And we feel like we fulfill a need a traditional school … can’t.”

Chantelle Mosher, 18, Great Bend, completed her high school graduation completely online because she developed an autoimmune disease at a young age.

“I was sick a lot at regular school my freshman year,” Mosher said.

“I was in advanced classes and everything, and it wasn’t OK. … I couldn’t catch up very well, so (the Learning Center) gave me a good alternative to be able to stay home and keep my health a priority while still (completing) my education,” she said.

Because of a program called Youth Vision, Mosher completed several college classes, as well, and will be entering the University of Kansas this fall as a junior, majoring in psychology and visual communication.

According to Sheve, the Leaning Center accepts students of all ages who need to complete their high school education. Both online and on-site classes are offers, along with ample support for the nontraditional students.

Scheve said the school operates year-round, and students can sign up at any time and complete the program at their own pace.

A total of 25 students earned their high school diploma through the Learning Center this year.

For more information, contact Scheve at (785) 623-2426 or visit the LLC website.