SCIO, Ore., June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Willamette Connections Academy, the state's newest tuition-free online K-12 public charter school, is hosting a special virtual commencement for family, friends, and school staff Friday, June 5th at 6 pm. The Class of 2020 is the school's first graduating class since it opened for the 2019-20 academic year last fall.
"We are so proud of our first graduating class of seniors," said Chris Long, Principal at Willamette Connections Academy (WillCA). "These graduates inspire me with their resilience and determination, given all that's going on with the pandemic. They deserve special recognition for what they've accomplished!"
The school originally planned for an in-person graduation but due to social distancing, the ceremony was moved online.
"These graduates are part of history, more than just being our first class to graduate," noted Tim Hyre, Willamette Connections Academy School Board President. "While the COVID crisis has disrupted learning for a lot of students, our Willamette Connections Academy graduates knew they could count on their fully-online school, including their teachers, to help them be successful with their education."
The Willamette Connections Academy Class of 2020 includes:
Kamree Black, The Dalles
Kyra Fech, Salem
Miranda Miller, Colton
Cloe Rylands, Vernonia
Of the graduates, two are going into the workforce, one is going on to a 2-year college, another is enrolling in vocational training.
"Our school was established this year to offer more students an alternative to a brick-and-mortar education that meets their needs and their schedule," explained Long. "Our inaugural year's motto was 'We Will Grow, We Will Serve, We Will Explore', and we did all of that and more."
The school year started with approximately 50 students in the fall. Now, Willamette Connections Academy is serving nearly 350 students in grades K-12 across Oregon.
As a virtual public school, Willamette Connections Academy offers students the ability to attend from home or wherever there is an Internet connection. The school's individualized approach to learning combines state-certified teachers, an award-winning curriculum, technology tools, and socialization opportunities such as in-person field trips.
Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year is currently underway. Willamette Connections Academy is offering free informational webinars over the next several weeks for prospective families and students who want to learn more about the engaging online education program. For a complete schedule and to sign up for one of the webinars please go to http://www.WillametteConnectionsAcademy.com/Events.
To learn more about the school call 888-478-9474 or visit the school's website.
About Willamette Connections Academy
Willamette Connections Academy (WillCA) is a statewide tuition-free, full-time, public virtual charter school. The school is authorized by the Scio School District and is overseen by its own governing board and school leader. The school utilizes the nationally recognized Connections Academy program, combining Oregon-certified teachers, a high-quality curriculum, technology tools, electives, clubs, and community experiences to create a safe, supportive environment for families seeking a personalized, flexible approach to education. For more information, call 888-478-9474 or visit the school's website.
SOURCE Willamette Connections Academy
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