COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—More than 480 graduating seniors from 69 counties across Ohio recently received their high school diplomas as members of Ohio Connections Academy’s Class of 2025. Of these, 285 seniors traveled to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on June 7 to participate in the online public charter school’s commencement ceremony.
“While we are a non-traditional school, each year we look forward to the opportunity to celebrate our graduates and this academic milestone with a very traditional ceremony,” said Ohio Connections Academy Superintendent Marie Hanna. “These students came to our school in search of a learning environment that met their individual needs. This ceremony is not only a celebration of their achievement, but of their determination to find an academic setting where they could succeed.”
More than 35 percent of Ohio Connections Academy graduates plan to attend a two or four-year college or university, with institutions including Indiana University, Ithaca College, The Juilliard School, Miami University, The Ohio State University, Stanford University, and the University of Georgia. Additionally, 45 percent of graduates plan to enter the workforce directly, while others will pursue vocational training, join the military, or take a gap year.
The Class of 2025 includes a National Merit Commended Scholar, a College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award Winner, two College Board National African American Recognition Award winners, and 23 Governor’s Merit Scholarship winners. Several graduates have earned full-tuition academic and performing arts scholarships, and others have secured NCAA athletic scholarships. Overall, the Class of 2025 has received more than $3.5 million in college scholarships and awards.
Students from Marion County among the Class of 2025 include: Benjamin Baquedano of Caledonia, and Ashton Hawerlander and Connor Salyers, both from Marion.
This marks the 17th graduating class for the tuition-free virtual school, which serves more than 4,800 students statewide in grades K–12. Ohio Connections Academy provides a high-quality curriculum taught by state-certified teachers specializing in virtual education, fostering meaningful connections and a supportive learning environment.
The 2025-26 academic year will be the second year for Ohio Connections Academy’s successful College and Career Readiness offering for middle and high school students. This refined program integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options such as IT, business, health sciences, and marketing. It aims to equip students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, and offers career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence and prepare for their futures.
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is currently open. The school is hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. For additional information or to begin the enrollment process, visit OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.