COLUMBIA (June 8, 2023) – South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12, celebrated the school’s 513 graduating seniors on Tuesday, June 6. The virtual school hosted three in-person ceremonies, one at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, one at the North Charleston Convention Center, and another at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, so seniors across the state had the opportunity to attend their local celebration. The graduation events were also livestreamed on Facebook for friends and family members unable to attend. Students, friends, family and faculty members also heard from two student speakers: valedictorian, Josiah White and salutatorian, Kaetlyn Weaver.
South Carolina Connections Academy’s Class of 2023 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across the state, including Aiken, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and more. Among the Class of 2023 are local graduates from Dillon including Melanie Diaz and Ansley Dimery.
Among the graduating class, 39% plan to attend two-or four-year colleges or universities, 20% plan to enter the workforce and 24% plan to attend vocational or technical school. College and university acceptances include Clemson University, Midlands Technical College, Southern New Hampshire University, and University of South Carolina. Anderson resident and graduating senior, Mary Bate, is grateful for the opportunities afforded to her by the flexibility of the school’s curriculum. “It has been awesome being able to experience all that I’ve done throughout my years at South Carolina Connections Academy, including, theatre, student government, National Honors Society and my part-time job,” Bate said. “I appreciate that I have the time outside of school to focus on more than academics.”
“It is such a joy to watch our students as they grow into young adults who are ready to leave our virtual classrooms and pursue their goals,” said Alicia Hughes, executive director of South Carolina Connections Academy. “The commitment these students have to their aspirations never ceases to amaze me. I am so proud of what the graduating class of 2023 has accomplished, and while the moment is bittersweet, I look forward to hearing about where life takes them next.”