6-29-2026 9:54pm

Southwest Ohio students among Great River Connections Academy’s Class of 2026

Beth Callahan Editor

COLUMBUS, OH – June 29, 2026 — More than 250 graduating seniors from across the state recently received their high school diplomas as members of Great River 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.

“Each year, commencement serves as a true testament of our graduates’ hard work and accomplishments,” said Great River Connections Academy School Leader Jason Swinehart. “We are proud to have provided these students with a learning environment that challenged them academically and enabled them to reach new levels of scholastic success. The Class of 2026 has proven they possess the intellect and work ethic to excel in the world of higher education, the workforce, and beyond.”

Among this year’s graduating class, 27 percent plan to attend a two or four-year college or university. This fall will see graduating seniors enroll at schools such as Indiana Wesleyan University, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, the University of Akron, and Youngstown State University. Additionally, 17 percent of graduates have expressed plans to enter the workforce, while others intend to pursue vocational training, military service, or a gap year.

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

Abbigail Taylor, Batavia
Arlando Reynolds, Cincinnati
Autumn Martinez, Middletown
Bailey Hall, Fairfield Township
Brooklyn Hall, Fairfield Township
Dallton Byrd, Milford
Dante Crouch, Cincinnati
Donald Goins, Cincinnati
Enya McCullum, Fairfield
Ethan Tudor, Maineville
Hayden Firoini, Hamilton
Isabella Clevenger, Cincinnati
Isabella Hunt, Hamilton

Jeremy Shrom, Cincinnati
Jonathan Prather, Cincinnati
Kacy Olvera, Cincinnati
Kaidence Byrd, Middletown
Kaitlyn Johns, Cincinnati
Layah Combs, Moscow
Michael Mann Jr., Cincinnati
Neriah Hodge, Cincinnati
Olivia Ball, Hamilton
Richard Philpot, Hamilton
Sumeya Ashely, Cincinnati
Zariah Marshall, Cincinnati

Great River Connections Academy currently serves more than 2,200 students in grades K-12 across Ohio. The school offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students, helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide throughout the school day.

The school 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 underway for students in grades K-12. Great River Connections Academy is hosting virtual information sessions for families interested in learning more about the many benefits of online education. For more information about Great River Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.GreatRiverConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.