Local Ohio Connections Academy Student Honored for Community Service

Douglas Shore of Lakewood was among seven Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) students who were recognized today as winners of the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

As a recipient of a Certificate of Achievement, Douglas is recognized as one of the nation’s top volunteers for 2015 and is now eligible to receive a $1,000 award, a silver medallion, and represent Ohio in an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for recognition ceremonies next May. Caleb’s award is in recognition of his efforts to aid the disadvantaged in his community.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program was created in 1995 by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to honor middle school and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level.

“The faculty, staff and members of the board at Ohio Connections Academy are so proud of the students and the time and effort they have given to make a positive impact on their communities,” Marie Hanna, OCA Superintendent said. “All seven students have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a commitment to making our world a better place – they deserve this recognition and all that they shall receive in the future.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, American Red Cross, YMCA, HandsOn Network (generated by the Points of Light Institute) and many other national youth, service and educational organizations. Learn more about the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards at http://spirit.prudential.com.

Ohio Connections Academy is a free, fully-online virtual public school that students in grades K-12 attend from home. OCA delivers high-quality, personalized education for students that combines certified teachers , a proven curriculum, as well as technology tools, and community experiences—online and in person—to create a supportive environment for children who want an individualized approach to education. More information about Ohio Connections Academy is available at www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com.

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Photo Caption:
Douglas Shore (l) of Lakewood receives a Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Certificate of Achievement from Prudential representative Floyd Buchanan. Douglas, a fifth grader at Ohio Connections Academy, was recognized for his efforts to aid the disadvantaged in his community.

About Ohio Connections Academy
Ohio Connections Academy (OCA) is a tuition-free, K-12 public eSchool that provides a fully accredited, high-quality and highly accountable virtual education experience for approximately 3,200 students from all over Ohio. OCA combines Ohio-certified teachers and a rigorous, individualized curriculum designed by national education experts and customized to meet the specific standards set by the Ohio Department of Education. For more information, call 800–382–6010 or visit www.OhioConnectionsAcademy.com. Connections Academy and its parent company, Connections Education, are part of the global learning company Pearson (NYSE:PSO) www.Pearson.com.