June 19, 2025, Press Release from Great River Connections Academy:
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Great River Connections Academy recently presented more than 190 students with their high school diplomas as members of the statewide K-12 public online charter school’s 2025 graduating class. The students were recently honored during the school’s annual commencement ceremony at the Ohio Exposition Center in Columbus.
“It was wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate our graduates and this academic milestone with an in-person commencement ceremony together with families and friends,” said Great River Connections Academy School Leader Jason Swinehart. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the determination these students demonstrated to find a learning environment that met their needs and enabled them to succeed academically. We are confident the Class of 2025 is poised to do great things.”
This is Great River Connections Academy’s seventh graduating class since the online school first opened in 2018. Among the graduates, 50 percent plan to continue their education and attend a two- or four-year college or university including, Colorado State University, The Ohio State University, United States Naval Academy, Wright State University and Youngstown State University. Others plan to join the military, pursue vocational training, or enter the workforce to start their careers.
Standout graduates include Valedictorian Samia White of Elyria, who has joined the Navy and is presently in basic training. She graduated with honors and earned a 4.59 GPA throughout high school. Samia was also a recipient of the Governor’s Merit Scholarship. Class Salutatorian is Xindia Edmund of Dayton who plans to attend Wright State University and graduated with a 4.33 Cumulative GPA and was a recipient of Governor’s Merit Scholarship.
Ileah Parker of Columbus served as senior class speaker, and she plans to attend the University of Cincinnati. Ileah is a member of the National Honor Society and frequently volunteers in her local community.
Great River Connections Academy serves more than 1,600 students from across Ohio providing an individualized approach to education with state-certified teachers who specialize in virtual education, fostering meaningful connections and a supportive learning environment. With Great River Connections Academy, students have access to core classes and engaging electives that go beyond academics and help develop the skills necessary for life after school.
The following students from Allen County are among Great River Connections Academy’s Class of 2025*:
- Tayma Jmiai, Lima
- Parker Larimore, Lima
The 2025-26 academic year will mark another year of its expanded College and Career Readiness program for middle and high school students. Building on its success, this refined offering integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences and marketing. This offering equips students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking and teamwork. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 academic year is currently open for students in grades K-12. Great River Connections Academy is hosting online information sessions for families interested in learning more about virtual education. For more information about Great River Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.GreatRiverConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.
*NOTE: Not all students from the area may be included for privacy reasons.
About Great River Connections Academy
Great River Connections Academy 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 building fundamental life skills, 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 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.GreatRiverConnectionsAcademy.com.
