Ohio Connections Academy Recognizes Central Ohio Students

COLUMBUS, OH – Israa Lamgharti of Lewis Center, Matthew Potteiger of Columbus, and Ariana Mikita, of Galloway, were recently named among Ohio Connections Academy’s (OCA) Star Students of the Month for November in recognition of their hard work and leadership in the online classroom.

Israa, a fifth grader, was nominated by her teacher Ms. Shafter, due to her outstanding attitude towards learning. Matthew, a seventh grader, was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Reger, because of his determination to succeed. Ariana, a junior, was nominated by her teacher, Ms. Longshore, because of her effort to strike balance between her schoolwork and activities outside of the classroom.

As a Star Student, Israa, Matthew and Ariana will each be presented a certificate recognizing their achievement and be profiled in Ohio Connections Academy’s student newsletter and on the school’s social media platforms. Each month during the school year OCA will recognize students in grades K through 12 who are excelling in the virtual classroom.

“The faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy are proud to recognize our outstanding students and the commitment they demonstrate to our school and their community,” said OCA Superintendent Marie Hanna. “Each of our Star Students is a leader in the classroom and demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to learning – they truly deserve this recognition.”

Israa came to Ohio Connections Academy this year to be in a learning environment that enabled her to work at her own pace. “At Ohio Connections Academy I can take frequent breaks, do schoolwork from any place in my house and sometimes outside in the backyard, and somedays at the local library. In regular school I couldn't do that,” Israa said.

Matthew also came to OCA this year because he wanted to learn online and have more flexibility in his academic schedule. “I like that I get to choose when and where I get to work on my schoolwork,” he said.

Ariana also attends the Delaware Area Career Center where she was chosen to participate in the Zoo School at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. She enrolled in Ohio Connections this year to have more schedule flexibility to balance her work at both. “I've always had a passion for anything to do with animals,” Ariana said. “As long as I can remember I have loved learning about and interacting with any kind of animal from common to exotic.”

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Those who attend Ohio Connections Academy come from different backgrounds and choose full-time online school for various reasons. Some students prefer to take ownership of their education and benefit from the flexibility that virtual school offers, while others are looking for a consistent, safe learning environment.

For more information about Ohio Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010.