Statewide public online school honors students during 15th annual graduation ceremony
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- More than 400 graduating seniors from communities across Minnesota recently received their high school diplomas as members of Minnesota Connections Academy's Class of 2023. The tuition-free, online public school recently celebrated the students during an in-person commencement ceremony at the Minneapolis Convention Center on June 10th.
"The faculty and staff at Minnesota Connections Academy are so proud of this year's graduates for their hard work and determination to reach this milestone," said Minnesota Connections Academy principal Brad Swanson. "These students came to our school in search of a learning environment that met their individual needs, and we know that when given the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them, they thrive. Our Class of 2023 is ready to move on with the skills they learned to take on whatever challenges lie ahead."
During the ceremony, several of the graduates gave remarks to their classmates including Sophie Stiles of Eagan. Sophie came to Minnesota Connections Academy prior to her junior year to be in a more nurturing learning environment. Sophie reminded the Class of 2023 they all came to the online school because they were determined to find a school setting that met their needs. She urged the graduates to never lose that determination that helped them reach this milestone.
"We got where we are today because we advocated for ourselves and found a place where we could learn and thrive," Sophie said. "As you all move on, I encourage you to stay determined and keep advocating for yourselves and others. I know we can make things better."
Sophie plans to attend Crown College in St. Bonifacius to study Youth Social Ministry.
The Class of 2023 is the 15th graduating class for the virtual school that serves students in grades K–12. Many of Minnesota Connections Academy's Class of 2023 plan to attend a two or four-year college or university including the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, University of Northwestern – St Paul, Itasca Community College, Minnesota State and St. Cloud State. Others are entering the workforce, joining the military, taking a gap year, or pursuing other exciting opportunities. During the ceremony 93 members of the graduating class were presented with their silver cords in recognition of their academic excellence in specific areas of study.
Minnesota Connections Academy is an established online school that provides students with the continuous support of highly-skilled teachers and curriculum that focuses on both academics and helping to build fundamental life skills. The school's teachers are specially trained to bring their skills and personality to the virtual classroom and emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful connections with students and their families. Learning plans are flexible and can be tailored based on a student's specific needs.
Enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year is currently open. Minnesota Connections Academy is hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. For more information about Minnesota Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit http://www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.
About Minnesota Connections Academy
Minnesota Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Every day, we create 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 1-800-382-6010 or visit http://www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com.
Media Contact
Mark Rickel, Connections Academy, (614) 232-8309, mrickel@lesiccamper.com
SOURCE Connections Academy
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