Westlake Academy graduated its first senior class Sunday, fulfilling a vision that town leaders had when the state's only municipally run charter school opened in 2003.

One by one, 24 students crossed the stage at the Marriott Solana Hotel and were awarded their diplomas in front of a crowd that included Gov. Rick Perry; Texas Education Agency Commissioner Robert Scott; U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville; and state Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Keller.

The Class of 2010's valedictorian was Connor Lenio, 18; Brooke Awtry, 18, was salutatorian.

Perry, who gave the commencement address, called the graduates "trailblazers."

"You are the ones who did the work," he said.

The graduates are studying for International Baccalaureate tests, and most are expected to graduate from that program this summer, said Tom Brymer, school CEO and town manager.

The IB program focuses on critical thinking and sets high academic standards. Nine other schools nationwide offer the full IB curriculum for grades K-12, with Westlake Academy the only public school among those.

"This community is very unique," said Lenio, who credits the school's curriculum for nurturing his science skills. He plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis in the fall.

Awtry plans to attend Southern Methodist University's Honors College in the fall. Awtry also credits the IB program for furthering her academic pursuits.

"The IB is really focused on developing your analytical skills," she said. "We really learned a lot."

There was a reason for Perry's presence.

In his 2001 State of the State address, he said, "Now is the time to strengthen and improve our state's charter school system and not turn our backs on the parents and children and educators who benefit from the flexibility and innovation of charter schools."

Westlake officials recalled those words and invited the governor to Sunday's ceremony.

"It's very important to remember those people who got you here," Perry said Sunday, referring to parents and teachers. "You can do anything you want. This school is a great tribute to this community."

Since opening, Westlake Academy has expanded its physical campus while adding grades.

This year, the school grew to 485 students.

The graduates have been offered more than $3.7 million in scholarships and grants, with every senior accepted to colleges or universities.

Westlake Academy has 31 school districts within its attendance boundaries. This year's graduates live in Westlake, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, Roanoke, Southlake, Boyd and Flower Mound.


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