Sheridan student named Indiana Connections Career Academy’s 2025 salutatorian

More than 975 students recently graduated from Indiana Connections Academy and Indiana Connections Career Academy, tuition-free full-time online public virtual schools serving students statewide in grades K-12 and 6-12, respectively.

As part of the Class of 2025, the diverse and accomplished group of graduates collectively earned more than $1.3 million in scholarships and awards. Students attending the full-time online public virtual schools gathered from across the state for an in-person ceremony at Corteva Coliseum with family, friends, and teachers to celebrate student achievements.

“We take tremendous pride in honoring our graduating students,” Kelly Simone, executive director of Indiana Connections Academy and Indiana Connections Career Academy. “Their walk across the stage is a symbol of the hard work, growth and determination they’ve shown throughout their educational journey. We are honored to have been part of their story and excited to see the incredible impact they’ll make in the years ahead.”

The Connections Academy Class of 2025 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across the state including Fishers, Fort Wayne, Greenwood, South Bend, Terre Haute, and more. Forty-three percent of graduates plan to attend two-or four-year colleges or universities, including Belmont University, Frank Phillips College, Indiana University and Purdue University. Additionally, 25 percent plan to enter the workforce directly upon graduation, while others plan to attend vocational training programs, join the military or take a gap year.

Standout seniors who walked across the stage include:

• Abigail Koons, Indianapolis, was Indiana Connections Academy’s Class of 2025 valedictorian.
• Noah Johnson, Valparaiso, Ind., was Indiana Connections Academy’s Class of 2025 salutatorian.
• Sophie Taylor, Franklin, Ind., was Indiana Connections Career Academy’s Class of 2025 valedictorian.
• Madelyn Koepkey, Sheridan, was Indiana Connections Career Academy’s Class of 2025 salutatorian.

For more than a decade, Connections Academy schools in Indiana have served thousands of students with a variety of needs by offering a high-quality online program that provides increased flexibility for learning when it works best. Students receive support from state-certified teachers specially trained to bring their personalities to the virtual classroom and establish deep connections with their students to promote academic success. Students have regular opportunities to share ideas, compare experiences and have fun learning with their peers through online classroom sessions.

Both schools offer a variety of activities throughout the year to help build community and foster relationships, including numerous in-person and virtual field trips, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, student government, and in-person prom and graduation ceremonies. In addition to core classes in math, science, language arts and social studies, students can choose from various electives, honors courses and dual credit opportunities. The schools also offer a broad assortment of online clubs, ranging from robotics and gaming to poetry and art.

The 2025-26 academic year will mark another year of its expanded College and Early Career Readiness offering for middle and high school students. Building on its success, this refined offering integrates traditional academic subjects with industry-leading, career-focused options like IT, business, health sciences and marketing. This program equips students with durable skills like leadership, critical thinking and teamwork. Students can participate in career exploration and industry networking opportunities to build confidence, make connections and find direction to prepare for their future.

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is underway for students in grades K-12 at Indiana Connections Academy. For more information or to begin the enrollment process, visit IndianaConnectionsAcademy.com or call 1-833-591-0251.