Arizona Connections Academy Hosts Traditional Graduation for Virtual School Students

31 Students Traveled from Across the State to Receive High School Diplomas at Higley Center for the Performing Arts – Many Met Each Other for the First Time

Gilbert, AZ (PRWEB) June 20, 2014

Arizona Connections Academy (ACA), a tuition-free K-12 online public school, hosted its annual graduation ceremony at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts on Wed., May 28 in Gilbert. Students traveled from as far as Kingman, Tucson, Yuma and other parts of the state in order to participate in the traditional commencement ceremony.

The ACA Class of 2014 consists of 52 students who earned their high school diplomas through the fully accredited school, which offers a high-quality, college preparatory curriculum. Graduation was even more meaningful for the 31 students who attended the ceremony because many of them met each other for the first time. Several graduated with honors, including eight students with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

ACA Principal Kerri Wright welcomed the students and families, setting the tone for a celebratory evening. She spoke briefly, congratulating the students on their achievement.

“This is what we strive for as a school…to help our students reach this milestone and have a direction to follow as they begin their journey into adulthood,” said Wright. She praised the students for their hard work and dedication, and congratulated them on their future plans. “Our graduates will be spreading out across Arizona and the U.S. to 13 universities, various community colleges and trade schools, the U.S. Armed Forces as well as starting various jobs that align with their interests,” she said.

Following the presentation of diplomas, the traditional Rose Ceremony was held, where each student presented a yellow rose to a parent or someone in attendance who had been an influential person in their life.

The special event marked the online school's fifth graduation ceremony since ACA launched 10 years ago. This year's graduates join 229 ACA alumni, many of whom have received scholarships to attend Ivy League schools and private and public universities.

One of ACA's most notable graduates is Lyndsey Fry, of Chandler, who was part of ACA's first graduating class in 2010 and went on to attend Harvard University and represent the United States women's hockey team in the Sochi 2014 Olympics.

For information about Arizona Connections Academy visit http://www.ArizonaConnectionsAcademy.com.

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Connections Academy is a leading, fully accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual schooling for students in grades K through 12. Through tuition-free public schools, and full-time and part-time private school programs, Connections Academy delivers superior, personalized education for students, with the freedom and flexibility to experience our online learning community from anywhere. The combination of certified teachers, a proven curriculum, technology tools, and community experiences creates a supportive and successful online learning opportunity for families and children who want an individualized approach to education. Among the schools supported by Connections in the 2013–14 school year are 25 Connections Academy virtual (online) public schools that operate in 23 states. It serves students worldwide through the online private school, International Connections Academy. Connections Academy offers grades K through 12, though some public school programs do not offer all grades. For more information, call 800–382–6010 or visit http://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com. Connections Academy and its parent company, Connections Education, are part of the global learning company Pearson (NYSE: PSO) http://www.Pearson.com.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11961235.htm