Columbia County’s 2024 graduates of Oregon Charter Academy

Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) honored its 2024 class of graduating students at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem, June 8. Of the nearly 320 graduating students, seven are from Rainier, Clatskanie and St. Helens.

Oregon Charter Academy is the state’s first online school, established nearly 20 years ago as Oregon Connections Academy. The tuition-free virtual public charter school became independent in 2020 to better serve K-12 students throughout Oregon with advanced technology and customizable approaches to a standards-based curriculum.

“Graduates, I cannot wait to see where the world will take you. The storms may be dangerous and the water is rough, but if anyone could survive and thrive, it would be you,” Student President Grace Peterson said. “I am honored to be in the class of 2024 with each of you. We made it through the thorns, now it’s time to shoot off into the stars.”

Some of the area students who received diplomas included: Carly Griffin of Clatskanie (Carly received cumulative honor roll recognition); Brooke Burnham (Brooke participated in the school’s ASCEND career and technical education program), Kylee L Ford and Madison Tulare of Rainier; Desirae Hastings of St. Helens (Desirae participated in the school’s ASCEND career and technical education program). Not all of the students signed media release forms; therefore, their names are not listed in this story.

“Every year, we watch our students set sail on a journey that builds upon a legacy of resilience and growth. As they continue on, we know our work was just the beginning, yet we’re proud to have prepared them with what they need to thrive,” ORCA Executive Director Allison Galvin said. “Wherever they go, we’re thrilled to be part of their story. Congratulations graduates, this is no small accomplishment!”

ORCA’s graduating students have benefited from a tailored, dynamic curriculum designed to prepare them for the challenges of higher education and the workforce. Unique opportunities at ORCA, such as the career and technical education program (ASCEND), the college and career readiness program (AVID), and various safe social events have empowered students to excel and pursue their aspirations.

About Oregon Charter Academy

Oregon Charter Academy (ORCA) is the state’s first virtual school, established nearly 20 years ago as Oregon Connections Academy. The tuition-free public charter school became independent in 2020 to better serve K-12 students throughout Oregon with advanced technology and customizable approaches to a standards-based curriculum.

ORCA has approximately 50 student clubs, monthly field trips, career and technical education programs, college credit options, a teen parent program, AVID implementation and quarterly NASA sessions. ORCA was voted as Best Public School Overall, Best Charter School and Best Overall Leadership (Statesman Journal) and was the only school in OR, WA, and CA recognized as a 2021 Cognia School of Distinction.