Ohio Virtual Academy Celebrates the Graduation of Class of 2011

Virtual students plan to attend top colleges and universities in the fall

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On June 4, Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), honored 180 students as the graduating class of 2011.

The traditional graduation ceremony took place on June 4, at 2 p.m. at the Capital Center at Capital University.  This year's keynote speaker was Ohio State Senator Cliff Hite (R-1), a former public educator and current Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

The ceremony also featured the Valedictorian speech by Margaret Kreuz of Toledo (Swanton).  Upon graduation, Margaret plans to attend the University of Toledo this fall.  Eileen Jacob of Columbus (Reynoldsburg) was also honored as this year's Salutatorian.  In the fall, Eileen plans to study Archeology at Oxford University in England.  

"I am very proud of the achievements made in and out of the classroom by this year's graduating class," said Jennifer Sims, Acting Head of School at OHVA.  "I am extremely eager to see how these smart and talented individuals will put their OHVA educations to use and excel in the future, no matter what career path they may choose."  

Some of the schools chosen by this year's graduating class include:

Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University, Miami University, Oxford, University of Mount Union, The Ohio State University, UCLA, University of Virginia, and Xavier University.

OHVA is a tuition-free, statewide public virtual school program offering students the opportunity to receive a complete, high quality education at home, on the road, or wherever an Internet connection can be found.  

Students who enroll in OHVA receive the award-winning academic program developed by K12 Inc., the nation's largest provider of K-12 online school programs.  The K12 curriculum includes engaging web-based lessons along with instructional materials – books, videos, CDs, and other hands-on tools and resources – which are shipped directly to each student's home.  OHVA employs state-licensed teachers who provide instruction, guidance and support, and regularly interact with students and parents via email, web-based classrooms, online discussions, phone, and face-to-face meetings.  Teachers also organize numerous field trips and school activities.

SOURCE Ohio Virtual Academy