COLUMBUS — 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 hosted June 6 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% 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% 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 from the Mahoning Valley are among Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2026:

• Jared Berg, Youngstown

• Olivia Bonilla, Youngstown

• Riley Boyle, Kinsman

• Sabithina Della Penna, Leavittsburg

• Draven Hahn, Youngstown

• McKenzie Jones, Warren

• Syqoiah Lane, Youngstown

• Brandon Linnabary, West Farmington

• Braylon McKelvin, Niles

• Ava Moody, Newton Falls

• Storie Sanker, Kinsman

• Drake Stitle, Niles

• Colten Wallace Jones, Warren

• Gabriella Zorik, Warren

The 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.