Ashford grad student to sing anthem at commencement

Ashford's commencement will feature one of those graduates, Kaliah Ballon, performing the national anthem.
Ashford's commencement will feature one of those graduates, Kaliah Ballon, performing the national anthem. | File photo
Ashford University’s upcoming commencement ceremony for online graduates will feature one of those graduates, Kaliah Ballon, performing the national anthem following a nationwide contest to select which of the school’s talented students would have the honor.
 
The competition was open to all Ashford students who submitted audition videos. The Ashford University Commencement Committee evaluated the students' videos, judging them on a criteria of clarity, musicality, melody, intervals and audience relation.
 
Ashford posted the videos selected by the Commencement Committee on the university’s official Facebook page, allowing students, alumni and guests to vote for their favorite rendition of the song.
 
The ceremony will take place on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. at the Viejas Center in San Diego. Ballon, who is earning a master’s degree in education, and her family will be among the thousands in attendance.