Local Students Among Minnesota Connections Academy’s Class of 2022
St. Paul, MN – June 23, 2022 — More than 400 graduating seniors from communities across Minnesota recently received their high school diplomas as members of Minnesota Connections Academy’s Class of 2022. The tuition-free, public online school recently celebrated the students during an in-person commencement ceremony at the Minneapolis Convention Center on June 11th.
“The faculty and staff at Minnesota Connections Academy are so proud of this year’s graduates for their hard work and determination to reach this milestone,” said Minnesota Connections Academy principal Brad Swanson. “These students came to our school in search of a learning environment that met their individual needs, and we know that when given the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them, they thrive. Our Class of 2022 is ready to move on with the skills they learned to take on whatever challenges lie ahead.”
During the ceremony, several of the graduates addressed their fellow members of the 2022 class including Domenica Chavez of Annandale. Domenica came to Minnesota Connections Academy in the first grade to be in a safe, flexible learning environment with supportive teachers. Domenica urged the graduates, as they move on to the next stage of their lives, to keep the determination and motivation they possessed to reach this milestone.
“Remember, you should never give up, keep fighting and keep dreaming. Because you can do anything that you set your mind to,” she said. “Your attitude is a little thing that can make a big difference.”
The Class of 2022 is the 14th graduating class for the virtual school that serves students in grades K–12. Many of Minnesota Connections Academy’s Class of 2022 plan to attend a two or four-year college or university including the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, St. Olaf College, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, University of California and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Others are entering the workforce, joining the military, taking a gap year, or pursuing other exciting opportunities.
Overall, the Class of 2022 has received more than $650,000 in college scholarships and awards. During the ceremony 18 members of the graduating class were presented their silver cords in recognition of their academic excellence in specific areas of study.
The following students from Aitkin County are among Minnesota Connections Academy’s Class of 2022*:
- Grace Trueblood, Aitkin
Minnesota Connections Academy is an established online school that provides students with the continuous support of highly-skilled teachers and curriculum that focuses on both academics and social-emotional learning, while helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a changing world. The school’s teachers are specially trained to bring their skills and personality to the virtual classroom and emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful connections with students and their families. Learning plans are flexible and can be uniquely tailored based on a student’s specific needs.
Enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic year is currently open. Minnesota Connections Academy is hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. For more information about Minnesota Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.
###
*NOTE: Not all students from the area may be included for privacy reasons.
About Minnesota Connections Academy
Minnesota Connections Academy (MNCA) is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. Every day, we create a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, 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. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit www.MinnesotaConnectionsAcademy.com.