Full-time online school's Class of 2023 earns more than $6 million in scholarships, awards
DULUTH, Ga., July 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Georgia Connections Academy's 494 graduates were recognized for their accomplishments and celebrated during an in-person graduation celebration. They chose the full-time, tuition-free, online school for K-12 students throughout Georgia for a more personalized and flexible education that enabled them to thrive academically while working in an environment that served them best. The live event was held at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Ga., northeast of Atlanta, in front of several thousand family members and friends of the graduates with all of the pomp and circumstance of traditional graduation ceremonies.
"The Georgia Connections Academy Class of 2023 embodies resilience, determination and hope," said Georgia Connections Academy Executive Director Brazilia Page. "Graduation is all about commemorating the hard work our students have put forth and also the support and efforts of their families. Our graduates' futures are bright, and we wish them the very best as they move forward on their journey."
Several graduates have longstanding ties to Georgia Connections Academy with 23 starting in the third, fourth or fifth grade; 23 attending during their entire middle school and high school years; and 88 completing all four years of high school with Georgia Connections Academy.
Additionally, 101 graduates selected Georgia Connections Academy for their senior year of high school. "They are tenacious because, as all the students and families here know, virtual education isn't for everyone and, in fact, requires a level of intrinsic motivation to be successful," said Page, also recognizing the students who enrolled at Georgia Connections Academy at the height of COVID-19 and persevered during the pandemic.
Collectively, the school's Class of 2023 graduates earned more than $6 million in scholarships and awards. Of particular note, several seniors were distinguished for earning RISE Scholarships (Reaching Individual Student Excellence), which Georgia Connections Academy created last year to help support students with disabilities in their post-secondary education. Recipients included: Mohamed Diallo of Athens, Darin Logan-Turner of Resaca, Brayden Loudermilk of Cumming, Anthony Shroyer of Midland, Kendal Tillmon of Grayson, and Xavier Wiley of Stone Mountain.
"Our RISE students leave behind a legacy of courage, hard work and tenacity that proves we can overcome adversity and set our minds on our dreams," said Maria Sharrett, Georgia Connections Academy director of special education. "During the past 17 and 18 years of their lives, these students chose every day to see beyond their disabilities to a world of infinite possibilities."
Georgia Connections Academy students have diverse backgrounds and educational histories, and their future plans are just as varied. Some students will attend two or four-year colleges and universities, and others will attend vocational training programs, join the military, enter the workforce, or pursue other opportunities.
Valedictorian Claudia Castro Socarras of Bethlehem, Ga., delivered a message of empowerment, reminding classmates that they persevered through the pandemic, so they can accomplish anything they set their mind to achieving. "Life isn't always easy, and you can't escape from it, but you can do the work and be dedicated to what you want to achieve," she said. Claudia is going to the University of Georgia and plans to major in psychology and minor in political science and then attend law school.
Enrollment for Georgia Connections Academy's 2023-24 school year is currently open for grades K-12, with the exception of 11th grade, which is at capacity. 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 unique, 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 more than 10 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, nancy@purduemarion.com
SOURCE Connections Academy
Share this article