High School Seniors Worldwide Graduate from International Connections Academy
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) July 12, 2016 -- International Connections Academy (iNaCA), an accredited, online private school serving students in grades K-12 worldwide, recently celebrated the accomplishments of its 2016 high school graduates in a virtual ceremony. Friends, family, teachers and administrators logged in to recognize the achievements of 90 graduates from 28 states and 10 countries, including France, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
“At iNaCA we are connected to the world in a new and broader way, a way that spreads farther than most people will ever travel. We have all had a truly unique education experience, and it will serve us well,” said valedictorian Ian Aegerter, a Washington State-based violinist pursuing a career in performing arts. “Good things can come from outside your comfort zone and often, leaving your comfort zone is what is going to take you further in your pursuit for excellence.”
The ceremony also featured remarks by the school’s student council president and other distinguished students and administrators. Many traditions of high school graduation were featured in the virtual ceremony, including the ‘presentation’ of diplomas, turning of the tassels and recognition of each senior. Among the class of 2016 are Eman Khwaja, a legacy graduate who attended iNaCA her entire high school career and will be majoring in public health at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia; United States Hockey League player Joshua Wilkins who will study sports management on a scholarship at Providence College in Rhode Island; and Benjamin Hannestad, an international graduate from Denmark who will be attending college in the U.S. at University of South Florida on a tennis scholarship.
The Class of 2016 earned many accolades, including:
- 11 percent of graduates earned a GPA of 4.0 or above
- The Class of 2016 earned more than $2.3 million in scholarships
- 79 percent of graduates will continue their education immediately at four-year colleges and universities or community colleges
- Students have been accepted into colleges and universities around the world, including University of Wisconsin-Madison, Boston College, The Juilliard School, and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy
- Approximately eight percent will pursue performing arts or athletic careers, seven percent will enter the workforce, four percent will attend vocational schools, and one percent will enter the military
- Two graduates were dual diploma candidates with American Public University
- Nine legacy graduates attended iNaCA for their entire high school career
“Our graduating seniors stand out in so many ways academically, athletically, and artistically,” said Principal Hannah Rinehart. “Having achieved a 99 percent graduation rate, these dedicated, collaborative learners now have a world class education to leverage throughout their college, career, and community pursuits.”
The school takes a personalized approach to learning with a high-quality U.S. curriculum, state-of-the-art technology, certified teachers and a secure easy-to-use online learning system. Students work at their own pace and can expand learning opportunities. College-bound students may tailor their schedules to accommodate exam preparation and applications, as well as take advantage of the school’s diverse course catalogue, including expanded AP classes and career technical education offerings such as Introduction to Law and Java Programming. Students may also concurrently earn both a high school diploma and an American Public University (APU) associate degree in four years, or earn college credits toward a bachelor's degree through University of Maryland University College via the College Acceleration Program.
Christina Denny, Miss Maryland 2016, encouraged the graduates in her commencement address: “Always be a first class version of yourself rather than a second class version of someone else. Know that it is what you make of a situation that determines what you get out of it.”
iNaCA currently serves more than 800 students across the globe who learn from home or anywhere there is an Internet connection. Certified teachers and supportive counselors provide one-on-one attention and guidance through the college application process, leading to acceptances at many exceptional schools. Enrollment is currently open for the 2016-2017 school year. Interested families across the globe can learn more by attending a virtual information session.
About International Connections Academy
International Connections Academy is an accredited, online private school serving students in grades K–12 throughout the United States and abroad. Recognizing individualized instruction as the key to student academic and personal success, iNaCA’s highly trained, certified teachers offer instruction tailored to each student’s strengths and challenges using an award-winning computer-based curriculum, real-time instruction, and time-tested course materials from leading publishers. Our parent company, Connections Education LLC, was founded in 2001 by educators and innovators who recognized the power of online learning to transform K– 12 education. Connections Education is part of the global learning company Pearson. For more information, visit http://www.internationalconnectionsacademy.com.
LaWanda Stone, Connections Education, +1 (443) 873-1737, [email protected]
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