NEWBERRY COUNTY — South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving students in grades K-12 across South Carolina, celebrated nearly 620 graduating seniors during the school’s annual high school graduation ceremony.
Hundreds of family members, friends, teachers and administrators gathered in Columbia for the ceremony. Valedictorian Catherine Drosieko and Salutatorian Benjamin Owens served as student speakers.
Four Newberry County students were part of the 620 graduating seniors this year. Those students were Heather Hawes, Justin Hogan, Jai-Kirra Byrd and Kevin Hawes.
The class of 2019 spans the state, with graduates residing in cities and towns including Florence, Anderson, Aiken and Fort Mill. The 67 percent of graduates who plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities are headed to schools including Carnegie Mellon University, U.S. Naval Academy, American Musical & Dramatic Academy, Full Sail University and Savannah College of Art & Design.
“This year’s graduates have impressed me with their depth of knowledge and passions,” said Amanda Ebel, executive director at South Carolina Connections Academy. “We’re extremely excited to see what the future holds for these talented and motivated seniors, and are grateful for the opportunity we’ve had to be a part of their education.”