Full-time online school's Class of 2024 celebrated during in-person commencement ceremony
DULUTH, Ga., June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Georgia Connections Academy, a tuition-free, online public school for grades K-12, recognized more than 600 graduates for their accomplishments. The in-person graduation ceremony was held with all the pomp and circumstance of traditional graduation ceremonies in front of several thousand family members and friends at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Ga., northeast of Atlanta. The school also hosted a livestream for those unable to attend to ensure every student and their families could partake in the joyous occasion.
Georgia Connections Academy's graduating class has a wide variety of post-graduation plans. Among these plans, 64 percent plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college, 18 percent are entering the workforce, 9 percent will pursue vocational training, and others are choosing to enter the military or take a gap year.
Collectively, the school's Class of 2024 graduates earned more than $18 million in scholarships and awards. Of particular note, salutatorian Skylar T. Harris of Blakely, Ga., received more than $2 million and will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., with a full-ride scholarship. She plans to double major in human and organizational development and communications studies.
During her commencement ceremony remarks, Skylar encouraged classmates to embrace environments that foster growth and opportunity, and to not be afraid of new experiences. For new Connections Academy students, she advised them to get involved, as she did. "There are so many clubs here for pretty much any interest," she said. "You'll meet amazing people and create great memories. Also, give your best in your work. It will pay off in the long run, not just during high school, but in terms of your overall work ethic and discipline."
"Georgia Connections Academy's Class of 2024 embodies resilience, determination, and hope. They have navigated through milestones in their lives while facing challenges and change," said Georgia Connections Academy Executive Director Brazilia Page. "Our graduates have bright futures, and their achievements are a testament to the amazing work they have put forth over the years."
Seventy-nine seniors in Georgia Connections Academy's Class of 2024 are members of at least one nationally recognized honor society, and 15 students have been recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars. The latter students demonstrated exceptional achievement on multiple Advance Placement (AP) exams.
Valedictorian Samuel Moshe Fleshler of Cumming, Ga., delivered a message to his classmates about following their dreams and is following his own advice. "With help from Georgia Connections Academy, I worked very hard during the last two years to build up my college credits through dual enrollment, which will allow me to graduate from Georgia State in the next two to two and half years," he said. "Once I have my bachelor's degree, I will be able to turn my full attention to my love of dance. I can't wait to pursue my passion and be on Broadway or be a part of a tour with an amazing artist." Samuel received a scholarship to Georgia State University in Atlanta and is going to major in business management and use his degree to start his own business as he pursues his career in dance.
Several of the graduates have longstanding ties to Georgia Connections Academy, with 36 attending since elementary school, including Zander Beaujuin of Stone Mountain and Joshua McElrath of Clarkesville, who have all attended the online school since kindergarten.
Kayleigh Wilson, a math teacher and the school's 2024 High School Teacher of the Year winner, gave the keynote speech. The Atlanta resident's message was about the importance of helping others and how even small acts of kindness, empathy, and inclusion go a long way.
"This year's senior class is the most resilient bunch of young people I've had the honor to interact with," Wilson said. "Their high school journey started amidst the pandemic, where there was so much uncertainty and nervousness. I am beyond proud of these young individuals for staying true to their course. I look forward to seeing and hearing about all the wonderful ways the Class of 2024 will positively impact our world."
Enrollment is currently open for Georgia Connections Academy's 2024-25 school year, and capacity is limited in certain grades. Families interested in Georgia Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information or to begin the enrollment process, visit http://www.GeorgiaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.
About Georgia Connections Academy
Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12 and is authorized by the State Charter School Commission of Georgia. Georgia Connections Academy has 13 years of experience in providing a high-quality education experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers help to build fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students determine how they learn best. At Georgia Connections Academy, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For information, visit http://www.GeorgiaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.
Media Contact
Nancy Katz, Connections Academy, 702-349-0063, [email protected], https://www.connectionsacademy.com/georgia-virtual-school/
SOURCE Connections Academy
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