Among the Class of 2024 are local graduates from Portales including:

  • Ruby Rodriguez

  • Tristyn Nickelson

    Seniors from across the state were honored at commencement ceremony on May 23

    New Mexico Connections Academy, a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 4-12 honored the school’s 216 graduating seniors during the commencement ceremony at Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque. The in-person celebration allowed graduates from across the state to join school administrators, teachers, family and friends to celebrate this milestone accomplishment.

    New Mexico Connections Academy Class of 2024 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across New Mexico, including Aztec, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho and more. Among the graduating class, 44 percent plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, 28 percent plan to enter the work force and 14% percent plan to take a gap year.

    Among the graduates is Maddison Long, who will be attending University Maryland Eastern Shore to play Division 1 collegiate golf. As a competitive golfer who has competed in tournaments across the country, Maddison is thankful for the flexibility of New Mexico Connections Academy and feels that the school has helped prepare her for college and life after graduation. “My time at New Mexico Connections Academy has been an incredible journey, equipping me with adaptability and time management needed to thrive in college,” said Maddison. “I feel confident in my ability to balance academics and golf because of my success here.”

    “It is always an honor to witness each graduating class walk across the stage in fulfillment of their educational achievements,” said Sandy Beery, Executive Director of New Mexico Connections Academy, “Graduation commencement marks the beginning of the rest of their lives. The Class of 2024 is committed to their goals, and we look forward to hearing about their future successes.”

    New Mexico Connections Academy currently serves more than 1,400 students in grades 4-12 across New Mexico, providing each student with continuous support of highly trained teachers and a curriculum that focuses on both academics and building fundamental life skills. The combination bolsters the confidence needed to excel both inside and outside the virtual classroom. Teachers are specially trained in bringing both skills and personality to the virtual classroom, allowing them to establish meaningful connections with students and families. Learning plans are flexible and designed to be tailored based on a student’s specific needs.

    At New Mexico Connections Academy, students have access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities and flexible scheduling that helps them to take ownership of their own unique educational journey. The school recently participated in the HOSA – Future Health Professionals State Leadership Championship, as the first online school to establish a HOSA Chapter in the state. This first-of-its-kind partnership represents New Mexico Connections Academy’s commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering an environment where students can thrive academically. Students who enroll in the school also join a collaborative community of their fellow students and educators that provides a welcoming, distraction-free learning environment.

    Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for students in grades 4-12. Families interested in New Mexico Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information on New Mexico Connections Academy, please visit www.NewMexicoConnectionsAcademy.com or call 833-591-0251.

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    About New Mexico Connections Academy

    New Mexico Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 4-12. Accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), an accrediting division of Cognia formerly AdvancED, New Mexico Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, 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 the school’s website.