Paralympic Gold Medalist, World Record Holder to Share Inspiring Personal Story with Fort Myers Stud

Paralympic Gold Medalist, World Record Holder to Share Inspiring Personal Story with Fort Myers Students

Swimmer Mallory Weggemann Chosen as Pivot Charter School Commencement Speaker

FORT MYERS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pivot Charter School in Fort Myers announced today that Mallory Weggemann, a 2012 Paralympic gold medalist and holder of 15 world and 33 American swimming records, will give its 2013 commencement speech. Weggemann, who became paralyzed from the waist down in 2008 after complications from a routine epidural injection to help treat back pain, will talk about overcoming adversity and the importance of determination and persistence in pursuing one's goals and dreams.

"I am excited to share my story with Pivot Charter School's class of 2013," Weggemann said. "Returning to the pool after my injury was one of the toughest things I've ever done, but it changed my life and gave me hope again. I've been able to continue pursuing my passion at a high level, as well as use my experience to raise awareness for adaptive sport programs for individuals with a disability."

Pivot will honor about 40 seniors at the graduation ceremony, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at the Riverside Community Center, Fort Myers.

"We are thrilled to have Mallory as this year's commencement speaker," said Kelsey Johnson, Pivot Charter School Fort Myers principal. "Her courage and resiliency when faced with a life-changing tragedy as a college freshman serve as an example for our students of how to cope with life's obstacles, both large and small, with grace."

An accredited tuition-free public school serving students, grades 6-12, in Lee County, Pivot offers a blended educational model that combines a rigorous online curriculum with one-on-one support from state-certified teachers called Educational Coordinators. As part of the program, students work with their lead Educational Coordinator develop a personal vision for success, define goals to help them reach their vision and create an individual education plan that they complete at their own pace. Students attend school either 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can access the curriculum from anywhere with Internet connectivity. In addition to Educational Coordinators available on-site during school hours, Pivot students have 24/7 technical support and online access to experienced, state-certified teachers who can provide immediate assistance 24 hours a day Monday through Friday.

Pivot Fort Myers complies with all Florida graduation requirements and offers a full middle and high school curriculum, including more than 15 Advanced Placement courses, a wide variety of electives, and a service learning option. Core courses align with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Students can jump-start their college careers with early graduation options and dual enrollment in college courses. Pivot Charter School is ideal for many students, including accelerated learners looking for Advanced Placement and dual-credit classes, students missing credits and needing to catch up, those needing a flexible schedule in order to pursue outside interests and many others. Nationally recognized learning provider Advanced Academics supplies the program's learning management system, web-based curriculum and online teaching staff.

For more information about Pivot Charter School, go to www.pivotcharterschool.com or call 239-243-8266.

About Pivot Charter Schools

Pivot Education Inc. is a not-for-profit Florida corporation that operates Pivot Charter Schools in Fort Myers and Tampa. Its programs use a blended educational model, combining one-on-one teaching with the best elements of on-line and traditional education. The mission of Pivot Charter Schools is to create a unique learning environment where each student will believe in themselves, excel in their goals and discover pathways to their life's success. Pivot Charter School Fort Myers offers this unique blended educational program to middle and high school students in Lee County.

Gooden Group PR
Meg Martin, 405-397-6156
mmartin@goodengroup.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida

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