SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Connections Academy honored 91 graduates during its commencement ceremony May 21 at Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Campus, including two students from Cache County.
Benjamin Gibbon of Nibley and Trinity Sandoval of Hyrum were among the graduates recognized by the statewide, tuition-free online public school for grades K-12.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of online education is seeing students succeed in ways that best meet their individual needs,” said Dr. Mollie McBroom, school leader for Utah Connections Academy. “Bringing our graduates together in person to celebrate the Class of 2026 is a powerful reminder that while students learn virtually, they are also part of a strong and supportive statewide school community.”
According to the school, 26% of graduates plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, while 15% plan to pursue vocational training and 13% plan to enter the workforce. Other graduates plan to serve in the military or take a gap year. Collectively, the class earned more than $220,000 in scholarship funding.
Among the graduates recognized was Aroosh Kaleem of West Valley City, a National Merit Scholarship finalist who earned national recognition for achievements in STEM and innovation.
“Utah Connections Academy gave me the flexibility to pursue my academic goals while also developing independence and time management skills,” Kaleem said. “Those experiences helped prepare me for college and my future career in medicine.”
Utah Connections Academy serves more than 1,100 students statewide and offers online instruction for students in grades K-12.
School officials said the program is designed to support a variety of students, including those seeking flexible schedules, advanced academic opportunities or alternatives to traditional classroom settings.