Congradulations to the Southwest Ohio Students Who Were Among Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026

COLUMBUS, OH -- More than 480 graduating seniors from across the state recently received their high school diplomas as members of Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026. The tuition-free online public school celebrated this year’s graduates during its commencement ceremony that was held on June 6th at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.

“At Ohio Connections Academy, we know that every student’s path to success is unique,” said Superintendent Marie Hanna. “Many of the families and students we serve come to us seeking the flexibility and personalized learning environment they need to thrive. As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we’re proud not only of what our graduates have accomplished, but also of the bright futures that lie ahead.”

More than 32 percent of Ohio Connections Academy graduates plan to attend a two or four-year college or university. This fall will see graduating seniors enroll at schools such as Case Western Reserve University, City University of New York, Fordham University, Loyola University Chicago, Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, and Wake Forest University, among others. Additionally, 45 percent of graduates have expressed plans to enter the workforce, while others intend to pursue vocational training, military service, or a gap year.

Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026 includes a Gates Scholar, a College Board First-Generation Recognition Award winner, College Board School Recognition Award winners, and more than 20 Governor’s Merit Scholarship recipients. This year’s class also includes students who earned associate degrees through the school’s College Credit Plus program and graduates of Ohio Connections Academy’s career tech education program.

Additionally, several graduates also earned full-tuition scholarships for academic, athletic, and performing arts achievement, helping the Class of 2026 secure more than $2.2 million in scholarships and awards.

The following students are among Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026*:

• Tara Ackley, Batavia
• Cale Baxter, Cincinnati
• Rylee Binning, Maineville
• Jacob Borne, Cincinnati
• Lexi Campbell, Cincinnati
• Tecumseh Coker, Hamilton
• Danika Crowe, Cincinnati
• Jackson Davis, Hamilton
• Kierra DeKelaita, Mason
• Harmonie Donnerberg, Cincinnati
• Hannah Estes, Maineville
• Zoey Foster, Amelia
• Slade Hall, Cincinnati
• Miley Lorenzon, West Chester
• Alexander Looker, Franklin
• Brooke Mellor-Sodders, Cincinnati
• Luke Mignery, Hamilton
• Autumn Mills, Batavia
• Molly O’Dell, Bethel
• Bridget Pierce, Cincinnati
• Shannon Pierce, Cincinnati
• Christopher Polanco, Hamilton
• Ethan Porter, Cincinnati
• Henry Reed, Liberty Township
• Dalton Riley, Franklin
• Cora Shaw, Milford
• Olivia Snyder, Hamilton
• Connor Sweitzer, Pleasant Plain
• Audrey Timmins, Loveland
• Avery Ward, Milford
• Kaitlyn Westerfield, West Chester
• Zoey Worsley, Cincinnati

he Class of 2026 is the 18th graduating class for the tuition-free virtual school for students in grades K–12. Ohio Connections Academy serves more than 5,000 students across the state and offers a high-quality curriculum taught by state-certified teachers who specialize in virtual education, fostering meaningful connections and a supportive learning environment.

Ohio Connections Academy continues to prepare students for life after graduation through its established College and Career Readiness program. Available to middle and high school students, the program blends core academic coursework with industry aligned, career-focused pathways, including IT, business, health sciences, and marketing. Students also build durable skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, while gaining access to career exploration and industry networking opportunities that help them build confidence, make connections, and clarify their future goals.

Enrollment for the 2026-27 academic year is now underway, and the school is offering virtual information sessions for families who want to explore whether online learning is the right fit. To learn more about Ohio Connections Academy or start the enrollment process, visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.

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