SCRANTON, Pa., May 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Penn Foster, a leading education and skills training organization for today’s evolving workforce, today named Kevin Stankovich of Riley Township in St. Clair County, Michigan its 2018 Graduate of the Year. Stankovich, who has completed four Penn Foster diploma or career programs, uses the knowledge he has gained from Penn Foster in running his home design/build business, and in teaching his own students at a local college.

In addition to being named Penn Foster’s Graduate of the Year, Stankovich has also earned the honor of being named a DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission) Outstanding Graduate of 2018. He will address Penn Foster’s 2018 graduates at Penn Foster’s commencement ceremony, to be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre Township, PA on June 2, 2018.

“Kevin exemplifies what it means to ‘thirst for knowledge,’ and we could not be more proud to name him Penn Foster’s 2018 Graduate of the Year, as well as to nominate, and have him also receive a DEAC Graduate of the Year honor,” said Mark Slayton, Senior Vice President of Student Success, Penn Foster. “Kevin is that rare individual who is never satisfied with ‘good enough,’ and who thrives on continually pushing himself to achieve more. He leveraged his Penn Foster programs to create a business in a high-demand field, which is great for Kevin, and for his clients.  From running his own business, teaching college, and wanting to gain even more knowledge, Kevin is always looking to reach that next pinnacle in not just school, but in life.”

Stankovich, who also grew up in Riley Township, began taking Penn Foster courses immediately after graduating high school, earning a Furniture & Cabinet Maker Career Diploma in 2010. That same year, he obtained his Michigan Residential Builders license. He entered Baker College of Auburn Hills, MI, shortly thereafter, where he earned an associate’s degree in Architectural/Construction Technology in 2012, a certificate in Kitchen & Bath Design in mid-2014 and a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in late 2014. While still attending Baker College, he launched his own business, Kevin Stankovich Constructing, LLC in early 2014.

A lifelong learner who says he’s a “get it done kind of guy,” Stankovich appreciates Penn Foster’s self-paced and flexible programs.  Wanting to add to his design-build knowledge base, Stankovich continued on his educational journey, completing three additional Penn Foster programs: the Green Building Practices Certificate in March 2015; the Home Inspector Career Diploma in February 2016; and the Plumber Career Diploma in February 2017.  In addition to his full-time business, he teaches interior design courses at Baker College of Auburn Hills.

“I’m happy and grateful to receive these honors from Penn Foster and the DEAC,” said Stankovich.  “Penn Foster has been the perfect fit for me.  I like learning new things, and Penn Foster made it more enjoyable because of the flexibility it provided. I could focus on actually learning the materials on my own time, rather than focusing on the deadline for the next project, or worrying about what will happen if I miss a class. Penn Foster’s self-paced courses allow me to continue learning and then apply my new knowledge and skills to my job, and even to my teaching.”

About Penn Foster
Penn Foster is bridging the gap between education and economic opportunity to build tomorrow's workforce. For over 125 years, Penn Foster has helped individuals develop the skills they need to pursue purposeful, and productive careers through affordable diploma, certificate and degree programs. With more than 40,000 graduates each year, Penn Foster's digital and blended learning programs are delivered in a self-paced model along with personalized academic and career coaching. For more information, visit https://www.pennfoster.edu/ or our partners site at https://partners.pennfoster.edu/.