Mahoning County student recognized for academic achievement

Kenneth Day of Struthers was among 38 Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) students recognized recently for their outstanding academic achievement and service to the community.

During a virtual ceremony on OCA’s LiveLesson virtual classroom, Kenneth, a sixth grader, was among the eight OCA students in grades sixth through eighth who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. To qualify for the National Junior Honor Society, students 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.

Thirty OCA students were inducted into the National Honor Society recognizing students in grades 10 through 12. To qualify students must have been enrolled with OCA 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, and submit letters of recommendation from current and former teachers as well as from other adults..

For their National Honor Society community service project, the OCA students conducted a personal hygiene product and holiday card drive during a family engagement activity in Columbus to support a local faith mission and nursing home residents. Students collected more than $500 worth of soap and body washes, dental hygiene products, and feminine hygiene products for families and individuals in need. The students also wrote and designed more than 70 cards to be delivered to a local nursing home. This spring, during the pandemic outbreak, the students decided to participate in an online program called “Freerice,” that generates funding to the World Food Programme based on the student’s level of participation. The OCA students donated 848,000 grains of rice which ranked #100 on the global leaderboard.

“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, 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 Ohio Connections Academy for the 2020-2021 school year is currently open and the school is hosting information sessions for interested families to learn more about virtual education and how teachers support the students. During the information sessions, families will also have an opportunity to learn about the online public school’s curriculum and interact with school representatives and other parents. A complete schedule of events with dates and locations is available. More information about Ohio Connections Academy is available at www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or by calling (800) 382-6010.