Ohio Connections Academy Superintendent Marie Hanna Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Story courtesy of Ohio Connections Academy and Photo courtesy of  Ohio Council of Community Schools

MASON, OH --  Superintendent Marie Hanna of Ohio Connections Academy has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio Council of Community Schools (OCCS). The inaugural award was presented during OCCS’ 2nd Annual 2026 Ohio Charter School Leadership Summit, which was held in Columbus on April 1.

A resident of Mason, Ohio, Hanna is in her 22nd year with Ohio Connections Academy – a tuition-free charter online public school serving K–12 students statewide. Originally hired as an assistant principal, she later became the school’s principal and has been serving as its superintendent since 2012.

“It’s a genuine honor to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Community Schools,” said Superintendent Hanna. “After all these years, I’m still incredibly proud to be associated with Ohio Connections Academy and its ongoing commitment to always put students first. I look forward to continuing to work with partners across Ohio to advocate for sound and effective policies that support virtual education.”

In choosing Hanna for the organization’s inaugural award, the Ohio Council of Community Schools acknowledged her more than 20 years of dedicated service to the charter and virtual school movement.

“Marie Hanna is a steadfast champion for students and families and has elevated their voices through broad and impactful leadership, including testifying multiple times before the state legislature, and underscoring that educating with fidelity requires fair and equitable funding for every student,” said OCCS Executive Director Lenny Schafer.

The 2026 Charter School Leadership Summit was held at the Le Meridien Hotel in Columbus on April 1 and brought together charter school leaders, legislators, and policy, finance, and facility experts for meaningful dialogue about the various issues shaping charter schools both today and in the future.

More News from Mason

• Sycamore Presbyterian Church Announces 7th Annual Outreach Day on April 25 Church-wide, cross-generational event in which 150 members from SPC provide support to local, non-profit missions and organizations
• Duck Tape Sculptures in Washington Park celebrate “America 250,” May 8–18 See works created by local artists and students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati and Summit Country Day School