INDIANAPOLIS, June 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- More than 650 students recently graduated from Indiana Connections Academy as part of the Class of 2020. The cohort of diverse and accomplished graduates collectively earned more than $3 million in scholarships and awards. While students from across the state attending the full-time, online public school were not able to participate in an in-person graduation ceremony, graduates were honored with a virtual ceremony.
During the commencement, family members, friends, teachers and administrators were still able to gather in the digital setting to commemorate the milestone and celebrate the many achievements of the Class of 2020. With the school's full-time virtual curriculum, seniors at Indiana Connections Academy were able to maintain their education consistently and without interruption during the public health crisis.
"Fortunately, however, since our school is 100 percent online, we have had an advantage over many other schools adjusting to the situation," said Andrew Moore, valedictorian of Class of 2020. "That being said, our teachers, family members and staff have been working as hard as ever to ensure that students are getting the support they need. That, along with many of the graduating students today have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance."
The majority of graduates, 66 percent, plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities. Additional graduates have plans to attend vocational training programs (10 percent), join the military (two percent) or enter the workforce directly upon graduation (18 percent).
"Graduation marks an incredible milestone for our students and the Class of 2020 has shown a tremendous amount of perseverance, dedication and grit during these trying times," said Chandre Sanchez Reyes, Executive Director, Indiana Connections Academy. "While the world was adjusting to sudden changes, our graduates were able to complete their senior year academically uninterrupted. I am confident that these seniors are graduating with the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful lives."
Standout graduates include:
Valedictorian Andrew Moore, from Noblesville, Ind., who will attend Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis to study web development and design.
Salutatorian Maia Talbert, from Lafayette, Ind., who will attend Purdue University on a Presidential Scholarship to major in biochemistry and minor in astronomy. Talbert credits Indiana Connections Academy with helping her find her passion for mathematics, science and foreign languages.
Trinity Neumayr, from Lafayette, Ind., who will attend a four-year college or university to major in education or nursing. During her senior year, Neumayr created the "Out of the Shadows" program to help students talk about their past experiences with bullying.
With the ability to work anywhere there is an Internet connection, students hail from small and large cities in Indiana – including Evansville, Fort Wayne, Franklin, Indianapolis, Martinsville, Shelbyville, South Bend and more. In total, more than 3,000 students have now received a diploma from Indiana Connections Academy.
The complete graduation ceremony can be viewed online.
Enrollment is currently underway for Indiana Connection Academy's 2020–21 school year. Details about upcoming information sessions and other events including dates and locations are available online or by calling 1-800-382-6010. For more information about Indiana Connections Academy, visit http://www.IndianaConnectionsAcademy.com.
About Indiana Connections Academy
Indiana Connections Academy is a K-12 virtual charter school authorized by Ball State University that offers students statewide a high-quality, highly accountable, tuition-free, public education option. Founded in 2010, Indiana Connections Academy delivers superior, personalized education for students, with the freedom and flexibility to experience the online learning community from anywhere. The combination of state-certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools and community experiences create a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit http://www.IndianaConnectionsAcademy.com.
SOURCE Indiana Connections Academy
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