Franklin County students recognized for academic achievement

Six students from Franklin County were among the 73 Ohio Connections Academy students inducted into the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society in recognition of their academic achievement and service to the community.

During a ceremony at the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington, Emma Van Hoose, a sophomore from Columbus, Katarina Bowyer, a junior from Reynoldsburg, Luis Alley-Freeman, a junior from Columbus and Olivia Kess, a sophomore from Westerville, were among the 57 OCA students inducted into the National Honor Society. To qualify for the National Honor Society students in grades 10 through 12 must have been enrolled with Ohio Connections Academy for at least one semester, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or better, demonstrate a history of leadership experience by participating in school or community service activities. Students must also submit letters of recommendation from current and former teachers as well as from other adults. Currently 80 OCA students are members of the National Honor Society.

Ibrahim Aly, a seventh grader from Columbus, and Farida Shafic, a sixth grader from Columbus, were among the 16 Ohio Connections Academy students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. To qualify for the National Junior Honor Society, students in grades 6 through 8 must maintain a 3.25 GPA, complete 10 hours of verifiable community service within the school year and participate in one or more extracurricular activities or group service projects. Students also must submit letters of recommendation. Currently 40 OCA students are members of the National Junior Honor Society.

This year, the National Honor Society students at OCA participated in their own individual service projects as well as two group projects. Individually the members found ways to support local groups through 4-H, faith-based organizations, soup kitchens and OCA’s school clubs. One of the group projects, the members chose to serve the OCA community by creating short videos to be used on social media that helped to motivate and support fellow students. The second group project is a food drive the students will hold during the school’s field trip to six zoos across the state. These experiences promoted individual growth and independence, as well as collaboration between NHS members to work towards a common goal.

“At Ohio Connections Academy we have the opportunity to work with students and families from many different backgrounds who come to us seeking an academic setting where they can thrive,” said Marie Hanna, OCA Superintendent. “I congratulate these students for their persistence and for maintaining such a strong commitment to succeeding in the classroom and making a difference in the communities in which they live.”

Ohio Connections Academy is a free, fully-online virtual public school that students in grades K-12 attend from home. OCA delivers high-quality, personalized education for students that combines certified teachers, a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences—online and in person—to create a supportive environment for children who want an individualized approach to education. Enrollment for the 2019-20 academic year is currently open.