Great River Connections Academy Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2026
Full-time online school’s Class of 2026 recently honored at in-person commencement ceremony
Columbus, OH – June 11, 2026 — On Saturday, June 6, Great River Connections Academy proudly presented diplomas to more than 250 graduating seniors. Families, friends, and faculty gathered at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus to celebrate the Class of 2026 during the school’s traditional, in-person commencement ceremony.
“Each year, commencement serves as a true testament of our graduates’ hard work and accomplishments,” said Great River Connections Academy School Leader Jason Swinehart. “We are proud to have provided these students with a learning environment that challenged them academically and enabled them to reach new levels of scholastic success. The Class of 2026 has proven they possess the intellect and work ethic to excel in the world of higher education, the workforce, and beyond.”
The Class of 2026 represents Great River Connections Academy’s eighth graduating class since the online school was established in 2018. Among this year’s graduates, 27 percent plan to continue their education at either a two- or four-year college or university. Members of the graduating class have been accepted into institutions such as Indiana Wesleyan University, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, the University of Akron, and Youngstown State University. Additionally, 17 percent plan to enter the workforce after graduation, while others will pursue vocational training, performing arts pathways, serve in the military or take a gap year.
Graduation speakers included valedictorian Ayden Jennings from Fremont, Ohio and class speaker Catherine Lauck of Columbus, Ohio. The keynote speaker was Makayla Murphey, a 4th and 5th grade teacher at Great River Connections Academy, who is also a 2022 graduate of Ohio Connections Academy.
About Great River Connections Academy
Great River Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students across the state. True to our name, we believe meaningful connections drive better academic outcomes, so we build a strong circle of support that unites students, families, and educators. We create a high-quality educational experience that helps keep students engaged in a safe learning environment. Beyond academics, our teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, partnering with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills needed to thrive in the real world by becoming resourceful and resilient.
Great River Connections Academy currently serves more than 2,200 students across Ohio. The school offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students, helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide throughout the school day.
Great River Connections Academy continues to prepare students for life after graduation through its established College and Career Readiness program. Available to middle and high school students, the program blends core academic coursework with industry aligned, career-focused pathways, including IT, business, health sciences, and marketing. Students also build durable skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, while gaining access to career exploration and industry networking opportunities that help them build confidence, make connections, and clarify their future goals.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 academic year is underway for students in grades K-12. Great River Connections Academy is hosting virtual information sessions for families interested in learning more about the many benefits of online education.