Kansas Connections Academy Class of 2024 Earns More Than $2.3 Million in Scholarships and Awards
More than 150 graduates from across the state honored with hybrid commencement ceremony on May 18
Elkhart, Kan. (May 18, 2024) – Kansas Connections Academy, a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K-12 celebrated the school’s 158 graduating high school seniors on Saturday, May 18. The ceremony took place in-person at Crown Uptown Theater in Wichita and to bridge the gap for those unable to attend, the school hosted a livestream to ensure every student and their families could partake in the joyous occasion.
Kansas Connections Academy’s Class of 2024 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across the state, including Kansas City, Chanute, Andover and more. Among the graduating class, 43 percent plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, 20 percent plan to enter the workforce, 18 percent plan to receive vocational training and 9 percent plan to serve in the military or take a gap year. The graduates were collectively awarded over $2.3 million in scholarship funds.
Graduating this year is Norwich resident Cooper Bryant, who simultaneously took junior and senior coursework so she could finish high school early and take a gap year. “Kansas Connections Academy truly opened a couple of doors for me with my lifestyle,” said Cooper, who will attend Central Wyoming College to further her career and education in the equine industry after her year off. “I'm always on the road, whether it is to go to a rodeo or a barrel race or even go look at a new horse, Kansas Connections Academy gives me that flexible schedule to make time for those things that matter most to me.”
“It is never easy to say goodbye to such bright students after watching them learn and grow as members of our community, but we’re proud to watch them navigate this exciting next chapter,” said Joe Sailors, school leader at Kansas Connections Academy. “We will continue to cheer on the Class of 2024 and look forward to them returning as successful alumni.”
For the past 14 years, Kansas Connections Academy has given students the opportunity to pursue their passions and find academic and personal success. Currently serving more than 1,200 students across the state, each student has access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and flexible scheduling that facilitates a hands-on approach to their individual and unique education journey. Those who enroll in the school join a collaborative community of their fellow students and educators that provides a welcoming, distraction-free learning environment.
Kansas Connections Academy provides students and families with continuous support from highly skilled educators and a curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence and helping to build fundamental life skills. As a full-time online school, Kansas Connections Academy combines traditional courses with industry-leading, career-focused options through its expanded college and career course offering designed to help students develop the right skills, gain real-world experiences, and make industry connections. The school also provides flexible learning plans that can be tailored based on a student’s specific needs.
Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for students in grades K-12. Families interested in Kansas Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information on Kansas Connections Academy, please visit https://www.connectionsacademy.com/kansas-online-school/ or call 800-382-6010.
About Kansas Connections Academy
Kansas Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Operated in partnership with the Elkhart Unified School District 218, Kansas Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. Kansas Connections Academy is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), an accrediting division of Cognia, formerly AdvancED. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit https://www.connectionsacademy.com/kansas-online-school/.