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Monroe Resident Awarded Walton Family Foundation Scholarship

Anna Marie Ridenour to receive $13,000 over four years for her academic achievements and higher education goals

CINCINNATI, OH (June 6, 2011)—Anna Marie Ridenour, of Monroe, has been awarded a Walton Family Foundation Scholarship (administered by the Walmart Foundation) in the amount of $13,000 paid out over four years. Ridenour, valedictorian of the class of 2011 at the public eSchool Ohio Connections Academy (OCA), was selected to receive a scholarship for her outstanding academic records, participation in school and community activities, and higher education goals. Ridenour will be attending the College of Mount St. Joseph on a full scholarship and pursuing a degree in education.

“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are dedicated to supporting initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. 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 Walmart store in Fairfield Township. “Anna Marie has worked very hard, both in school and community activities. We are pleased to recognize her achievements and support her higher education goals.” 

Ridenour has been attending OCA since the school opened in 2003. She serves as a peer tutor for math and chemistry, takes honors classes, participates in the school's science and math fairs and poetry contests, is a member of the debate club and student leadership and service club, and is a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to her school activities, Ridenour is actively involved in St. Maximillian Kolbe Church and St. Anne’s youth group and is a member of 4-H. She has served as a 4-H camp counselor, taught religious education classes and helped with Vacation Bible School. She also participated in the CONSEF Science and Engineering Fair, placing second in the biology category.

"I am honored to have been awarded a scholarship from the Walton Family Foundation," said Ridenour. "I have loved attending OCA because I have been able to learn to my fullest potential, have great teachers, take honors classes, and have a flexible school schedule. My dream is to teach high school math at OCA after completing my degree."

"We are so proud of Anna Marie, and we are thrilled that she is being recognized for her accomplishments," said Ray Lambert, superintendent of OCA. "The Walton Family Foundation Scholarship is a well-deserved honor."

In addition to the Walton Family Foundation Scholarship, Ridenour also has been awarded a College of Mount St. Joseph Presidential Scholarship, an Academic Achievement Award, a Mount St. Joseph Schmidlapp Scholarship and a Anthony Muñoz Foundation Scholarship.

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.