From the moment class of 2019 graduate Katie Hardie found out she had received the International Baccalaureate Diploma, she said she knew she had to thank those who helped her along the journey. 

“My first instinct was to email all the teachers that helped me get there,” Hardie said.

According to International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator Jenny Magdal, 13 of the 24 diploma candidates received the diploma.

“I can only imagine the pride that they should feel in their accomplishment,” Magdal said. “It’s such a huge accomplishment and to see 13 students get this recognition is amazing.” 

Magdal said the reception Aug. 12 served as a way to honor recipients’ time at Park, creating a very cheerful environment.

“It’s always so nice to see the kids as they’re almost off to college,” Magdal said. “We get to celebrate this big accomplishment. There is so much joy and so much excitement knowing that they don’t have to come back here in the fall. They’re moving on which is so exciting.”

According to Hardie, IB Diploma recipients were recognized in front of the School Board after the reception. 

“It was really amazing,” Hardie said. “It was so thoughtful and considerate of Magdal and everyone else to put on this (event).” 

According to 2019 Park graduate Cyrus Abrahamson, IB helped form his studying habits. 

“IB taught me how to manage my time effectively and how to study in a way that really helps me learn the best and not just waste my time,” Abrahamson said.

Magdal said IB provides a program that can prepare students for their future.

“(IB students are) at a point where they can start making those changes and start being advocates, whereas (for) a lot of students it takes a year or two or three of college to really understand how to accomplish big things,” Magdal said. “We’re sending out really amazing kids really early on.” 

Abrahamson said students taking many IB courses should go for the diploma as well because it is not too much additional work.

“I think students should take part in (the program) because it  helps structure your time a lot,” Abrahamson said. “(If you take) more difficult classes in high school you learn a lot more.”  

In addition to Abrahamson and Hardie, Cole Beaton, Yonah Davis, Sophia Davenport, Nietszche Deuel, Angelica Lopez-Solis, Yonit Krebs, Olivia Mosby, Dani Orloff, Jack Ostrovsky, Will Staib and Emma Yarger received the IB Diploma.