Missouri Connections Academy Celebrates the Class of 2023

Missouri Connections Academy recently presented more than 90 students their high school diplomas as members of the statewide public online school’s 2023 graduating class including several from the St. Louis areas. The students were honored during the school’s commencement ceremony at the Courtyard by Marriott in Columbia.

“It was wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate our graduates and their academic milestone with an in-person commencement ceremony together with families and friends,” said Missouri Connections Academy school leader Lynsie Hunt. “The faculty and staff at Missouri Connections Academy are proud of the determination these students have demonstrated to find a learning environment that enabled them to succeed academically. We are confident the Class of 2023 is poised to do great things.”

While more than one-third of the graduates indicated they plan to continue their education and attend a two or four-year college or university such Saint Louis University, Saint Louis Community College, Kansas City Community College, St. Charles Community College and Moberly Area Community College, others plan to join the military, pursue vocational training, or enter the workforce to start their careers.

The following students from St. Louis County are among Missouri Connections Academy’s Class of 2023*:

• Noah Pearson, Ballwin
• Om Shinde, Ballwin
• Emma Weber, Ballwin
• Nia Cooper, Chesterfield
• Elijah McNally, Florissant
• Kailee Templemire, Hazelwood
• ReAja Cotton, Saint Louis
• Isabel Deroze, Saint Louis
• Heath Erickson, Saint Louis
• Sophie Maciocia, Saint Louis
• Joseph Tarbox, Saint Louis
• Zaimia Futch, Saint Louis
• Miya Jones, Saint Louis
• Haley Johnson, Saint Louis

During the commencement ceremony, the Class of 2023 heard from fellow graduate Camdyn Penrod, of Frankford, who shared a little about her experience attending Missouri Connections Academy and how it provided her the flexibility to work towards her goal to be a health care provider. Her message to her cohorts was to maintain the determination that brought them to Missouri Connections Academy and never lose focus on their goals.

“I had a great experience as a student at Missouri Connections Academy which enabled me to focus on my goals,” Camdyn said. “With the flexibility of the online courses, I was able to work as a full-time certified nursing assistant which helped me to obtain the experience I will need to attend physician’s assistant school in the future.”

Missouri 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. MOCA 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 at Missouri Connections Academy for the 2023-2024 academic year is currently open and the school hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. For more information about Missouri Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.MissouriConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.

*NOTE: Not all students from the area may be included for privacy reasons.