Commencement Ceremony 2024
ATTENDING ONSITE? — HOW TO PREPARE:
Reserve Your Seat
To reserve a seat, please purchase a ticket to participate in the Commencement Ceremony as an Acellus Academy graduate. Guest tickets are available for family and friends to attend the ceremony. To ensure adequate seating, all attendees will need a ticket to attend the ceremony. Registration will remain open while space is available.
Complete the Graduation Requirements
To allow sufficient time for processing your diploma, we recommend submitting your graduation application by May 1st (or earlier). If your graduation application is received less than one week prior to the date of the ceremony, you may need to wait until the following school year to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Please contact Acellus Academy’s staff if you need assistance with applying for graduation.
Event Schedule
Saturday, May 25, 2024 — Acellus
- 6:00 pm — Outdoor Welcome Reception
- (More details coming soon.)
Sunday, May 26, 2024 — KCI Expo Center
- 10:00 am — Commencement Rehearsal
- Note: To ensure that things run smoothly, all graduates participating in the ceremony should plan to attend the rehearsal. Your cap and gown will be available for pick up at the rehearsal.
- 1:00 pm — Commencement Ceremony
CAP AND GOWN:
Cap and gown rental is included in the purchase of your ticket ($39). Your cap and gown will be available for pick up at the commencement rehearsal, which is scheduled for 10:00am on May 26, 2024.
We recommend dressing in colors that compliment the graduation regalia. The cap and gown for Acellus Academy is blue and features a gold tassel. Place the cap level with the point in front. The bottom of the cap should rest about an inch from your eyebrows. Hang your tassel on the right side. After receiving your diploma, you will move your tassel to the left.
Display Honors
A white stole is worn by students graduating through the honors pathway. Students with an outstanding GPA may also wear honor cords as indicated below. Honors regalia will be available for purchase on-site.
- Cum Laude (3.5 GPA or higher) — 1 cord (gold & blue)
- Magna Cum Laude (3.7 GPA or higher) — 2 cords (blue + gold & blue)
- Summa Cum Laude (3.9 GPA or higher) — 3 cords (gold + blue + gold & blue)
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY:
Walking the Stage
At the designated time, graduates will proceed to the foot of the stage and wait in line. Once it’s time, you’ll hear your name called, walk across the stage to shake the presenter’s hand and take the diploma.
- Walk across the stage once your name is called.
- Shake the presenter’s hand with your right hand.
- Take your diploma in your left hand.
- Pause for a picture while shaking the presenter’s hand and holding your diploma.
- Walk off stage.
- Return to your seat.
Venue:
KCI EXPO CENTER
11730 N Ambassador Dr
Kansas City, MO 64153
United States
Nearby Hotels
Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport
11728 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
Best Western Plus – KCI East
11130 N Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153
Hilton
Garden Inn
10920 N Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153
Hilton Kansas City Airport
8801 NW 112th Street,
Kansas City, MO 64153
2023 Commencement Highlights
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making our 2023 Commencement Ceremony truly unforgettable! We couldn’t have done it without the help and support of our amazing Acellus Academy families.
2023 Event Highlights:
2023 Event Highlight
CONNECTING WITH FELLOW GRADUATES
Acellus Academy students from around the globe were able to come together, forging new friendships, celebrating academic success, and creating meaningful connections with their peers.
2023 Event Highlight
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS BY AUBREY JACKSON
We want to give a shout-out to our valedictorian, Aubrey Jackson, for delivering such a motivational and inspiring speech at last year’s Commencement Ceremony!
2023 Event Highlight
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS BY DR. ROGER BILLINGS
President of the International Academy of Science and founder of Acellus Academy, Dr. Roger Billings is widely recognized as the pioneering figure and visionary behind the concept of inventioneering.
2023 Event Highlight
ACELLUS MERCHANDISE
STORE POP-UP
The Acellus Store unveiled a new line of Acellus Academy apparel and merchandise on location at the event! What’s more, they also included a unique collection of gear specifically designed for Acellus Academy alumni.
2023 Event Highlight
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS TOURS
Acellus Academy students and their families had the exciting opportunity to tour the Institute of Science & Technology (IST) campus located in Kansas City.
2023 Event Highlight
CELEBRATION WITH
FRIENDS & FAMILY
Commencement is a time for celebrating academic achievements, surrounded by the warmth of friends and family. Together, graduates and their loved ones marked the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of the next.
2023 Event Highlight
PRESENTATION OF THE NAVAL SCIENCE AWARD
On behalf of the Office of Naval Research, a representative of the United States Navy awarded the prestigious Naval Science Award to two Acellus students who demonstrated ingenuity and dedication to scientific discovery during the 2023 Acellus Science Fair.
2023 Event Highlight
PRESENTATION OF THE WILLIS M. HAWKINS MEDAL OF SCIENCE
The U.S. Army presented the Willis M. Hawkins Medal of Science, an award that will be presented each year to exemplary middle and high school students for outstanding achievements in science fair projects with societal or industrial impact potential.
2023 Event Highlight
PLATTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S MOBILE COMMAND VEHICLE
The Platte County Sheriff’s Office exhibited the custom-built 47′ Freightliner Mobile Command Vehicle named “Prime.” This national incident management vehicle is a Unified Communications and Command Center for Federal, State, and Local deployment needs.
Class of 2023 - Graduate Spotlights
Spartacus Bejarano-Blanco
Acellus Academy Graduate
We are so proud of Spartacus! He graduated from Acellus Academy with Honors, and we are very excited to see what he does next.
Tayonna Willis-Robertson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Tayonna is in the process of becoming an early childhood education instructor.
Victoria Gaspard
Acellus Academy Graduate
Victoria graduated as an Acellus Academy Honors student! She has a very bright future ahead; we know she will achieve something wonderful.
Adannaya Muhammad
Acellus Academy Graduate
Adannaya will be attending Columbia College in Chicago in the fall. She will be majoring in Computer Animation and minoring in American Sign Language.
Noah Witt
Acellus Academy Graduate
Noah was tiny for his age, due to a heart condition, and the kids at the public school were unfriendly. Acellus helped Noah to progress academically without the fear of being bullied. He graduated with with Honors (Cum Laude) and a stronger self-esteem!
Zakariah Luce
Acellus Academy Graduate
Zakariah was pulled at the beginning of covid. This kid worked so hard to be successful. Thank you Acellus Academy! Zakariah is now joining the Air Force
Camren Wilson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Camren graduated Magna Cum Laude from Acellus Academy. He will be attending Augusta University as a Biology Major in the Pre-Med Program. Camren plans to become a surgeon.
Abdurrahman Radoncic
Acellus Academy Graduate
Abdurrahman graduated with Honors. This fall, he will be studying Radiologic Imaging Technology at a college in New York City. He is a big fan of R-51.
Xiyanna Anderson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Through hard work and dedication, Xiyanna was able to successfully complete both her junior and senior year in just 12 months!
Lorenzo Cabrera
Acellus Academy Graduate
We are so proud of Lorenzo and can't wait to see what he will do next!
Jenna Frederick
Acellus Academy Graduate
Jenna is going to college to become a veterinarian. We are so proud of her for everything she has accomplished!
Chloe Bonilla
Acellus Academy Graduate
Chloe graduated a year early! She has a passion for art and we are excited to see what she will create with her talents.
Ana Jahaziel Juarez Zamacona
Acellus Academy Graduate
We are excited to see what the future holds in store for Ana!
Alexander Mahana
Acellus Academy Graduate
Alexander graduated with a 4.0 GPA! He is a 2023 USAG National Qualifier and a 2022-2023 USAG Academic All-American Award recipient.
Piper Toomey
Acellus Academy Graduate
Piper graduated in the fall of 2023 and will be attending Texas State University, studying Psychology.
Mason Moore
Acellus Academy Graduate
Mason is a very determined and hard working young man who will be amazing at any path he chooses. We are so proud!
Chloe Wilkerson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Chloe graduated with Honors over a year early and has earned multiple awards for dance. She was accepted to TSU and will be a member of their dance team. She is majoring in Education Mathematics with a Dance minor.
Christian Voros
Acellus Academy Graduate
Christian is attending college for a year and then will be joining the military.
Cedrick Lee
Acellus Academy Graduate
Cedrick graduted with Honors from Acellus Academy. We are so proud of him!
Makiah Goudy
Acellus Academy Graduate
Throughout all the struggles and obstacles of life, Makiah never once gave up. She loves to shop, play video games, and go on walks with her dog Moo Moo.
Brandon Johnson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Congratulations are in order for Brandon! We hope his path will be filled with achievements, adventures, and all the success he deserves.
Kayden (Katie) Nipp
Acellus Academy Graduate
Kayden has dreams of becoming an esthetician! We know that her hard work and dedication will get her where she wants to be.
ReBecka Wells
Acellus Academy Graduate
ReBecka graduated Summa Cum Laude! She plays guitar with her church worship team and is devoted to making the world a better place.
Kyle Lee
Acellus Academy Graduate
Kyle graduated with Honors! We look forward to seeing what he does next.
Monty Boyd
Acellus Academy Graduate
Monty will be attending Copiah - Lincoln Community College this fall, with aspirations of becoming a Journalist.
Devin Mitchell
Acellus Academy Graduate
Devin has successfully completed his educational journey at Acellus Academy. His dedication and hard work promise a bright future ahead.
Madison Payne
Acellus Academy Graduate
We believe this is just the start of Madison's remarkable journey, and we're cheering her on every step of the way!
Juliana Edwards
Acellus Academy Graduate
Juliana graduated with a 4.0. She is excited to attend BYU-IDAHO with a full academic scholarship, where she plans to earn her bachelor's degree in Biology and eventually a PHD in Behavioral Genetics.
Lydia Keller
Acellus Academy Graduate
Lydia is a hard working, smart, and determined young lady. She's witty, generous and funny. We love her and we are so proud of our graduate!
Callie Leinbach
Acellus Academy Graduate
While enrolled in Acellus Academy, Callie was able to be part of pre-professional dance programs and is now teaching in three dance studios. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Business and minoring in Dance.
Shaye Boomer
Acellus Academy Graduate
We are so proud of our daughter, Shaye, on her Honors graduation from Acellus Academy. She has a bright future ahead and plans to pursue a Psychology degree.
Kayla Creech
Acellus Academy Graduate
Kayla started Acellus at the start of the pandemic. She loved Acellus so much, she continued on through graduation and was able to finish four years of high school within three years!
Abigale Roberts
Acellus Academy Graduate
Abigale was inspired by her teachers and Dr. Billings to go into the field of Computer Science. Her talent with graphic art and design inspires others also. Congratulations!
Jocelyn Grubb
Acellus Academy Graduate
Jocelyn enjoyed Acellus allowing her to work out, cook fresh meals daily, and learn on her own schedule. She is planning to become a registered dietitian after earning a Bachelor of Science from Grand Canyon University.
Kayla Smith
Acellus Academy Graduate
Kayla graduated from Acellus Academy and is now attending Cosmetology School.
Sarah Nicchia
Acellus Academy Graduate
Sarah is on the autism spectrum and did not flourish until Acellus Academy. She is planning to follow her interests in Biology, Music or Agriculture. She plays accordion, piano and keyboard and performs at different venues.
Alex Freimuth
Acellus Academy Graduate
Alex is now an Acellus Academy graduate! We know he will continue to achieve great things.
Isabel Ann DeCastro
Acellus Academy Graduate
Izzy worked a job while completing her high school courses and even graduated 4 months early! She will be attending college in the summer and applying to the Medical Sonography Program at TJC.
Caden Madeiros
Acellus Academy Graduate
Caden graduated from Acellus Academy with Honors, two years early at the age of 16.
Jake Wiley
Acellus Academy Graduate
Jake has moved nine times during his father's military career. He lives in Alabama currently and plans to start college in the fall, majoring in English. He has thoroughly enjoyed Acellus for four and a half years!
Ashlyn Nunnally
Acellus Academy Graduate
Ashlyn loves fashion and design and has an educational passion for psychology. She will be studying Psychology in the fall, attending ETBU.
Mary Kaitlyn Johnson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Mary Kaitlyn has been accepted to Unity College in Maine, where she will study Environmental Science and plans to pursue her master's degree in Marine Biology. She is also serving as a guest ambassador at the TN Aquarium.
Jordan Shallcross
Acellus Academy Graduate
Jordan graduated at age 16 with a 4.0 GPA. He is an aspiring actor and takes pride in helping his community and the environment.
Melissa Wilson
Acellus Academy Graduate
Melissa graduated a year early. She has overcome many obstacles to her education; physically, socially and emotionally. She intends to pursue her bachelor's in social work, so she can become a clinical social worker.
Fiona Corey
Acellus Academy Graduate
We are so proud of Fiona; she has a bright future ahead of her!
Oshin Dixon
Acellus Academy Graduate
Oshin is earning an associate's degree in Science and will be going to Ocean Corporation to pursue Diver Training and Commercial Diving/Underwater Welding certifications.
Questions? Send us a message!
Please limit this form to questions regarding the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a cap and gown for my student that is graduating from home?
Of course! You are able to purchase the Acellus Academy cap and gown from the Acellus Store and have it shipped to your home: https://www.acellus.com/store/?product=acellusacademy-graduate-gown
Can I pre-order the honors regalia for my student?
Yes! Honors regalia can be purchased from the online Acellus Store: www.acellus.com/store/?product=honors
Is it possible to purchase the cap, gown, and honors regalia on-site?
Yes, all of the graduation regalia will be available for purchase at the on-site event.
If we are not able to attend in person, can we still participate virtually?
The Commencement Ceremony will be live-streamed for all of our graduates and families that are unable to join us on-site.
Where will the event be held?
The 2024 Commencement Ceremony will be held in Kansas City, MO at the KCI Expo Center.
How long will the ceremony take?
We anticipate the ceremony will take no more than two hours to complete.
What size of cap and gown should I order?
Please view the Sizing Chart for the Acellus Academy cap and gown.