6-16-2024 10:38pm

Warren County Students Among Great River Connections Academy’s Class of 2024

Beth Callahan Editor

Story Contributed by Mark Rickel of Great River Connections Academy

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Great River Connections Academy recently presented more than 190 students with their high school diplomas as members of the statewide public online charter school’s 2024 graduating class. The students were recently honored during the school’s annual commencement ceremony at the Ohio Exposition Center in Columbus.

“It was wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate our graduates and this academic milestone with an in-person commencement ceremony together with families and friends,” said Great River Connections Academy school leader Jason Swinehart. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the determination these students demonstrated to find a learning environment that met their needs and enabled them to succeed academically. We are confident the Class of 2024 is poised to do great things.”

This is Great River Connections Academy’s sixth graduating class since it first opened in 2018. While more than one-third of the graduates indicated they plan to continue their education and attend a two- or four-year college or university such as Kent State University, Ohio State University, Toledo University, the University of Cincinnati, and Columbus State, others plan to join the military, pursue vocational training, or enter the workforce to start their careers.

The following students from Warren County are among Great River Connections Academy’s Class of 2024*:

Kiley Goodwin, Maineville
Emma Hembree, Carlisle
Jordyn Purkeypile, Waynesville
Riley Sharp, Morrow

During the ceremony, the graduates heard from the Class of 2024 Valedictorian Evan Doolittle of Springfield. According to Evan, he was homeschooled throughout his academic career until 2020 when he and his three siblings were enrolled in Great River Connections Academy to be in a flexible, individualized learning environment with access to supportive teachers.

Evan said the thing he appreciates most about Great River Connections Academy is the teachers. Their support and assistance over the years helped him to become a more independent and focused student.

“My teachers were very supportive and willing to work with me anytime I needed help with something,” Evan said. “I believe they contributed a lot to my success.” Evan plans to continue his education at Wright State University in Dayton where he will major in mechanical engineering.

Great River Connections Academy serves more than 1,600 students from across Ohio providing an individualized approach to education with state-certified teachers specially trained to support students and set them up for success in the virtual environment. With Great River Connections Academy, students have access to core classes and engaging electives that go beyond academics and help develop the skills necessary for life after school.

Enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year is currently open for students in grades K-12. Great River Connections Academy is hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. For more information about Great River Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.GreatRiverConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6010.

*NOTE: Not all students from the area may be included for privacy reasons.