Bartlesville, Okla. (June 1, 2021) – Oklahoma Connections Academy, one of Oklahoma’s most experienced tuition-free, online public schools for students in grades K-12, honored the school’s 120 graduating high school seniors during two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 22 – one virtual and one in-person. Students and families who were unable to join the in-person ceremony in Tulsa were given the option to attend a virtual celebration.

Oklahoma Connections Academy’s Class of 2021 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across Oklahoma, including Bartlesville, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, among others, who experienced a high-quality, uninterrupted education despite the challenging year. Among the graduating class, 46 percent plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, 25 percent plan to enter the work force and 18 percent plan to attend vocational or technical school. Collectively, the graduating class earned more than $124,000 in scholarship funds. Graduating as valedictorian is Jay Nabar, with Kurtis Cedoz and Jewel Hale as co-salutatorians.

Upon graduation, valedictorian and Stillwater resident Jay Nabar, who joined Oklahoma Connections Academy in 2014, will be attending the University of Texas in Dallas, where he will study physics. “Attending Oklahoma Connections Academy gave me the flexibility I needed to work at my own pace and excel in school,” said Nabar. “I feel confident about going to college and entering the real world because of the strong work ethic and time management skills I developed at Oklahoma Connections Academy.”

“This graduation milestone is a testament to the incredible resilience and hard work of our students, who achieved so much despite the challenges of this past year,” said Melissa Gregory, principal at Oklahoma Connections Acade my. “I am continually inspired by the graduating class of 2021, and I have no doubt these students will be the next generation of leaders and succeed in all their future endeavors.”

Oklahoma Connections Academy currently serves approximately 1,670 students in grades K-12 across Oklahoma, providing 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.

At Oklahoma Connections Academy, students have access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities and flexible scheduling that helps them to take ownership of their own unique educational journey. Students who enroll in the school join a collaborative community of their fellow students and educators that provides a welcoming, distraction-free learning environment.

For more information on Oklahoma Connections Academy, please visit the school’s website at www.OklahomaConnectionsAcademy.com.

About Oklahoma Connections Academy

Oklahoma Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school that serves students in grades K-12 across Oklahoma. Founded in 2011, Oklahoma Connections Academy offers a uniquely engaging, high-quality education experience through a safe, social learning environment that helps students how they learn best. The combination of state-certified quality teachers, a proven, student-centric school curriculum, unique electives, technology tools, and community experiences empowers students to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a changing world. For more information, visit www.OklahomaConnectionsAcademy.com.