Fiona
Graduate Student
Fiona is a graduate student from Ohio Connections Academy. She enrolled in the school in fall 2021 after moving to Cleveland to attend the Cleveland Institute of Music Young Artist Program, where she plays the cello.
Why Her Family Chose Ohio Connections Academy
Fiona and her family made the decision for her to attend this school because they were confident it would give her the flexibility needed to manage her academic responsibilities around her music program schedule.
A National Merit® Finalist, Fiona was among the approximately 16,000 high school seniors across the country who competed for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarship awards, worth nearly $20 million.
Fiona was excited to learn the good news since it validated all the hard work she’s put into her academics and music. “I was very excited to learn about being named a finalist and it really encourages me to continue my hard work as I move on to the next academic level.”
This school made it possible for me to pursue a more professional study as a classical musician while continuing my other academic interests.
— Fiona
Fiona’s Online School Experience
In addition to her music and academic work, Fiona assists the Bridge Road International Youth Group, where she has taught several classes, including geometry, music theory, and creative writing, for middle school students. She also tutors an elementary school student who plays cello, and she serves as copresident of the organization.
For her many contributions to the community through her time, actions, talents, and dedication, Fiona was awarded the Ohio Connections Academy Community Service Recognition Award in 2022.
Says Marie Hanna, Ohio Connections Academy executive director, “The faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy . . . congratulate Fiona for this outstanding recognition. With her academic excellence, her talents as a classical musician and outstanding service in her community, Fiona is an extraordinary student leader, and we wish her continued success as she moves on to college.”
Fiona plans to continue studying music at a 4-year college or university. She has auditioned at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Indiana University, Julliard, and others.
