Lakeland private school grad receives diploma following 8 On Your Side investigation

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — Polk County mom, Melissa Christner, turned to 8 On Your Side after she said her son and eight other students did not receive their diplomas from a private school in Lakeland. Days after our story aired, Dakota received his diploma.

Dakota, 18, has autism. Christner said he needs his diploma for documentation for his SSI benefits, and also for a job out of state, and it’s been weeks of waiting.

She said her son worked hard to earn the recognition from Higher Learning Advantage Academy.

Higher Learning’s Director Nancy Seymore told WFLA on Friday the company hired to print them was behind and when they were eventually printed, there were errors.

On Monday morning, Dakota finally received his diploma from his school. Christner said her son is off to trade school to become a welder or into law enforcement.

The Christners are thankful for the help from 8 On Your Side.

Seymore didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether or not the eight other graduates received their diplomas.

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