6-year-old boy coloring in a book
Connections Academy has selected Mansfield's Carter Bonnett as a Star Student.

COLUMBUS – Carter Bonnett of Mansfield was recently named one of Ohio Connections Academy’s (OCA) Star Students of the Month for February in recognition of his hard work and leadership in the online classroom.

Carter, a first grader at the statewide online public charter school, was nominated by his teacher, Mrs. Cline, because of his positive attitude and determination to succeed in school.

As a Star Student, Carter will be presented with a certificate recognizing his achievement and be profiled in Ohio Connections Academy’s student newsletter and on the school’s social media platforms.

Each month during the school year OCA will recognize students in grades K through 12 who are excelling in the virtual classroom.

β€œThe faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy are proud to recognize students like Carter and the commitment they demonstrate to our school and their community,” said OCA Superintendent Marie Hanna.

β€œEach of our Star Students is a leader in the classroom and demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to learning – they truly deserve this recognition.

According to Carter’s mother, Alicia, they enrolled him in Ohio Connections Academy in 2021 to be in a more individualized learning environment where she could also have a more active role in Carter’s learning.

She said she appreciates how Ohio Connections Academy gives them the flexibility to do their schoolwork when, where and how it best meets their individual needs.

β€œCarter loves to learn new things. He loves the freeness to dive into a program and learn / work at his pace instead of at the pace of other students around him,” Alicia said.

Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students and each student is unique. Those who attend Ohio Connections Academy come from different backgrounds and choose full-time online school for various reasons.

Some students prefer to take ownership of their education and benefit from the flexibility that virtual school offers, while others are looking for a consistent, safe learning environment.

For more information about Ohio Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-800-382-6010.

Ohio Connections Academy

Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) is a tuition-free, online public school for K–12 public students across the state.

Ohio Connections Academy offers a uniquely engaging, high-quality education experience through a safe, social learning environment that helps students learn 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, call 800-382-6010 or visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com.