TROY, Mich., June 9, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Students from Lighthouse Connections Academy's Class of 2021 were recently honored at a virtual graduation ceremony celebrating their achievements. Lighthouse Connections Academy, a tuition-free, statewide public virtual school serving students in grades K-12, celebrated the graduation of 87 students from communities across Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Troy and Kalamazoo.
"Our students know how to adapt and thrive in uncertain situations and we are extremely proud of them," said Sherrie Buchzeiger, Lighthouse Connections Academy Superintendent. "While our students were able to continue their studies uninterrupted, there were many outside factors still affecting their day-to-day lives that they were able to overcome. Through these challenging times they demonstrated resiliency, commitment and focus. We know the Class of 2021 graduates will go on to achieve great things."
The Lighthouse Connections Academy Class of 2021 was awarded $160,000 in scholarships, with 61 percent planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college or university, 9 percent planning to attend vocational or technical school and 8 percent planning to enter the workforce. Other graduates are also choosing to join the military, take a gap year or pursue other opportunities.
Lighthouse Connections Academy offers a high-quality curriculum taught by state-certified teachers specially trained to bring their skills and personality to the virtual classroom who are able to foster meaningful connections with students and their families. The virtual school allows students to learn at their own pace while having the flexibility to explore a variety of enrichment opportunities – from sports to arts to community service – at their convenience.
Gavin Morrissey, a Lighthouse Connections Academy 2021 graduate at the top of his class, enrolled in virtual learning since 2015, said, "Connections Academy has given me the flexibility to pursue my athletic aspirations while still providing me with the academic tools necessary to succeed. Thanks to the teachers' and the program's accessibility, I can work at my own pace and easily learn anywhere and anytime." A resident of Rochester Hills, Morrissey will be playing hockey before attending college.
"In an ever-growing digital world, students who learn online often have a leg up for college and their career, as they are building skills that will be necessary to succeed in both environments," Buchzeiger said. "We know this is a celebration for not only our students, but their families as well, which is why we livestreamed the event to ensure everyone was included in the proceedings."
According to recent data from a U.S. Parent Pulse Report study by Pearson and Connections Academy, parents of online learners believe their children gain skills such as self-sufficiency, resilience and competencies for the future of work.
Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Lighthouse Connections Academy students are diverse and come from all different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a traditional school setting, while some prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while some are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.
Families interested in Lighthouse 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 on online learning or to enroll your child at Lighthouse Connections Academy, visit http://www.LighthouseConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6010.
About Lighthouse Connections Academy
Lighthouse Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students in Michigan. Authorized by Oxford Community School, Lighthouse Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, 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 more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit http://www.LighthouseConnectionsAcademy.com.
Media Contact
Megan Wolowiec, Lighthouse Connections Academy, 248-882-8744, [email protected]
SOURCE Lighthouse Connections Academy
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