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Ohio Connections Academy Senior Awarded Walmart Foundation Scholarship

Virtual High School Senior Aaron Ridenour of Monroe to Receive $13,000 Over Four Years for his Academic Achievements

CINCINNATI, OH (May 20, 2010)—Aaron Ridenour, a senior at the virtual public school Ohio Connections Academy (OCA), has been awarded a scholarship from the Wal-Mart Foundation in the amount of $13,000 paid out over four years. Ridenour, of Monroe, Ohio, was selected to receive a scholarship for his outstanding academic records, participation in school and community activities and higher education goals. Valedictorian of the 2010 senior class, Ridenour will be attending the University of Cincinnati and pursuing pharmacy.

“At Wal-Mart, we believe that a good education creates opportunities that lead to a better life, and with rising college tuition costs, we are committed to helping students afford higher education,” said Ben Kincer, manager of the Wal-Mart store in Hamilton. “Aaron has distinguished himself academically, and we are pleased to award him a scholarship and support his higher education goals.”

Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart Foundation are dedicated to supporting initiatives focused on education, work force development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. Last year, $53 million was given to support education.

Ridenour has been attending OCA since the school opened in 2003. He serves as a peer tutor for math; has participated in the school’s science fair and poetry contest; is a member of the debate club, student leadership and service club and chess club; and takes advanced placement and college prep classes. In addition to his school activities, Ridenour is actively involved in St. Maximillian Kolbe Church and St. Anne’s youth group and vacation bible school, is a member of 4-H and has served as a camp counselor. He also participated in the Consef Science and Engineering Fair and placed first in the chemistry category at the 2008–09 fair.

“We are so proud of Aaron and his accomplishments,” said Ray Lambert, principal of OCA. “He has worked very hard, and we are thrilled that he is being recognized for his achievements.”

Kincer and other Wal-Mart associates presented the scholarship to Ridenour at the Hamilton store on May 19.

About Ohio Connections Academy
Ohio Connections Academy delivers a personalized public education that combines state-certified teachers, a print-rich curriculum, technology tools and community experiences. Teachers develop a personalized learning plan for each student, deliver instruction, evaluate assignments and work directly with students via the phone and Internet. An adult learning coach assists the student in the home with day-to-day activities. Because it is a public school, there are no costs for tuition, fees or supplies. The school loans each family a computer, reimburses them for an Internet connection and provides all curriculum materials—several large boxes per child of textbooks, workbooks and hands-on materials— that make up the core of OCA’s print-rich curriculum. For more information, visit www.connectionsacademy.com/ohio-school or call 800-382-6010.