Columbus — More than 300 graduating seniors received their high school diplomas as members of the Ohio Connections Academy Class of 2017 during the online charter school’s in-person commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 10, in Battelle Hall at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Shelby County residents Logan Bradshaw, of Anna, and Sapphire Ceyler, of Pemberton, received their diplomas,
“While our school offers a non-traditional approach to education, we take a lot of pride in offering our graduates a traditional commencement ceremony so they may celebrate with their families, friends and teachers,” OCA Superintendent Marie Hanna said. “Every year the faculty and staff at Ohio Connections Academy are impressed by the hard work, determination and focus that each of these students demonstrated to reach this academic milestone. We appreciate the opportunity that we had to work with all of them individually and we are confident that each student is ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.”
The Class of 2017 is the ninth graduating class for the state’s leading provider of high-quality, tuition-free virtual education for students in grades K–12. Of this year’s OCA graduates, more than half have indicated they plan to attend two or four-year colleges and universities including The Ohio State University, University of Akron, University of Cincinnati, Miami University, University of Dayton, Muskingum University, Sinclair Community College, Stark State College, Wilmington College and Youngstown State University. More than 20 graduates achieved National Honor Society membership status during their senior year, and overall the Class of 2017 has received more than $1.75 million in college scholarships and awards.
Among the OCA graduates to be honored during the ceremony will be 2017 Valedictorian Lia Fuhry of Northfield, Ohio who plans to attend Bowling Green State University to study dietetics.
Each year the faculty and staff at Ohio Connections Academy host a commencement ceremony for graduates and their families that includes commencement speeches and the presentation of diplomas. Ohio Sen. Cliff Hite, R-Findlay, and Class of 2017 Salutatorian Sienna Thomas of Athens will address the graduates during this year’s ceremony.
OCA delivers personalized education for students that combines Ohio-certified teachers , a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences — online and in person — to create a supportive environment for children who want an individualized approach to education.
Enrollment for the Ohio Connections Academy 2017-2018 school year is currently open. Interested parents and students are encouraged to learn more at one of the many in-person or online information sessions offered by the school. Early enrollment is also encouraged, especially for families new to virtual school.
