The College of the Florida Keys celebrated the first graduation of the CFK Academy on May 29 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus. The event was a milestone for the college’s tuition-free public charter high school, which opened in August 2023 and earned an “A” grade from the Department of Education in its first year.
Ten graduates donned blue gowns to receive high school diplomas in the ceremony presided over by CFK Academy Principal Ja-Ronika Veldheer, who is also the college’s vice president of secondary education. Four high school graduates had already received associate in arts degrees at the college’s May 8 commencement ceremony.
Salutatorian Lela Griffin and valedictorian Wesley Kulaga addressed their fellow graduates with memories of their shared high school experience and inspiration for their futures. Graduate Wyatt Rhodes gave the student reflection and presented the Teacher of the Year award to Kelly Hughes, who teaches math and digital media. Wendy McPherson, founding CFK Academy principal, delivered the keynote address.
The CFK Academy focuses on college and career readiness with curriculum centered on science, technology, engineering, and math and career technical education. Through the college’s dual enrollment program, students can graduate with a high school diploma as well as an associate degree, certificate and/or industry certification.A waitlist is available for grades nine through 12 for the 2025-26 school year. More information is at cfk.edu/cfkacademy.
