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Michelle Kwan graduates from high school
LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. (AP) -- Michelle Kwan is just about as talented in the classroom as she is on the ice.Kwan, the world and national figure skating champion, officially graduated from Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, Calif., on Thursday, receiving her diploma from principal Walt Harris in a private ceremony.
Kwan, 18, earne a near-perfect 3.9 (out of 4.0) grade-point-average in her senior year, and graduated with a cumulative GPA (grades 9-12) of 3.61.
"I had two major goals this year -- to make it to the Olympics and to graduate high school," said Kwan, who captured five titles and an Olympic silver medal this past skating season. "Accomplishing both has really made it a dream year."
Kwan will take a year off from full-time studies to concentrate on her skating. She intends to begin considering colleges for entry in the fall of 1999.
"It has been a pleasure to watch Michelle mature and develop as a student and as a person," said Linda Ward, the supervising teacher for Kwan's independent study program. "Her ability to successfully comine and balance athletics and academics in her life is a remarkable achievement. She is truly a role model for all student-athletes."