Gardners, PA resident Austin Batcheler will be the first to admit that a little over a decade ago, not many influential people in his life held out hope for him having anything but a “passable” education and an unremarkable future. But through his hard work, Austin demonstrated the error in this thinking—something punctuated beautifully in Hershey this June when he presented valedictorian remarks to the 2024 graduating class of Agora Cyber Charter School.
“I proved a great many people wrong,” said Austin. “There was a point in my life when I was told I’d never graduate, hold a career or move out on my own. I’m proof you can do anything you set your mind to.”
Austin’s life path took a positive turn ten years ago when he enrolled in Agora. For Austin, Agora’s schedule and the support they provided so he could maintain a busy schedule outside of the classroom rank at the top of the many ways the school helped him to excel. Also topping the list are several people who received an emotional shout-out during Austin’s valedictorian speech—his Agora family coach, who has been with him from the start and every step along his Agora path, and the countless teachers he said made his experience successful and worthwhile.
Austin excelled academically on many levels. He took honors classes, participated in countless after-school activities, and was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) as well as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Austin’s determination to experience continual growth and his ability to thrive through his educational journey has gone hand in hand with his drive to embrace a variety of opportunities he felt would enrich other aspects of his life as well. He has been very active with 4-H, serving as president and in various officer roles, fences competitively, engages in and teaches swing dancing, oversees the maintenance of a local campground, and uses his mechanical prowess to repair garden and lawn equipment—something that is turning into a small entrepreneurial undertaking. As for what lies ahead now that he’s graduated, Austin plans on attending York Technical Institute and becoming an electrician and hopes one day to tour the country on a motorcycle.
Conrat’s! Austin my grandson Logan prob. In your class we are very proud of him also n my Granddaughter Ryah coming up in same Agora, 2 nd grade now!!
Keep up all your great teaching n work for these children. You are appreciated!!! Happy Grandmam!!!