Bonner County residents graduate from Inspire Connections Academy

BOISE — Inspire Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving K–12 students throughout Idaho, celebrated the Class of 2026 during an in-person commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29 at the Morrison Center in Boise. Families, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to recognize the 229 graduates, with 150 seniors participating in the ceremony and walking across the stage to celebrate this important milestone.

Among this year’s graduates are students from Bonner County, including Morgan Howard, Oldtown; Coen Smith, Sagle; and Nathan Sorensen, Cocolalla.

The ceremony featured remarks from faculty speaker Beth Sampson, as well as student speaker, Shaelyn Corker of Coeur d'Alene. Mylee Solomon of McCammon was named valedictorian and Angelika Mosley of Challis was named salutatorian for the Class of 2026.

What made the ceremony especially unique was that, instead of walking through traditional school hallways each day, these students built connections and completed their coursework through online learning.

“Each graduating class that comes through our school reflects what’s possible when students are given a flexible learning option and strong support systems, and the Class of 2026 is no exception,” Inspire Connections Academy School Leader Kenny McAlister said. “Through college and career readiness options, dedicated advising, and personalized learning pathways, these graduates have discovered their strengths and are well prepared for their next chapter. I look forward to seeing the impact they make in their local communities and beyond.”

Inspire Connections Academy’s graduating class has a wide variety of post-graduation plans. Among these plans, 34 percent plan to attend a 2- or 4-year college. Additionally, 23 percent plan to pursue vocational training, 14 percent plan on entering the workforce, and 6 percent plan to join the military or take a gap year. The Class of 2026 was collectively awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships and awards.

Inspire Connections Academy prepares students for life after graduation through its established College and Career Readiness program. Available to middle and high school students, the program blends core academic coursework with industry-aligned, career-focused pathways, including IT, business, health sciences, and marketing. Students also build durable skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, while gaining access to career exploration and industry networking opportunities that help them build confidence, make connections, and clarify their future goals.

“Being a student at Inspire Connections Academy taught me how to balance multiple responsibilities while still focusing on my future,” said 2026 graduate and Shoshone resident Yasmin Barriga. “The flexibility allowed me to work, complete my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, and stay on track with my coursework. Whenever I had questions, my teachers were always available to help and support me.”

Yasmin has attended Inspire Connections Academy for the past five years after transferring from a traditional brick-and-mortar public school. During her time at the school, she worked both full- and part-time jobs while pursuing her CNA certification. She credits the school's flexible learning model and supportive teachers with helping her manage her busy schedule and prepare for her future career. Courses such as Anatomy and Physiology helped reinforce her interest in healthcare, while classes focused on personal finance and real-world skills provided valuable preparation for life after graduation.

This fall, Yasmin plans to enroll in a registered nursing program and continue working toward her long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. Recently earning her CNA certification is an accomplishment that holds special meaning for both Yasmin and her family. Coming from an immigrant household, she views her graduation and healthcare career pathway as important milestones and hopes to make a difference in the lives of others through her future work in nursing.

Now in its 20th year, Inspire Connections Academy serves more than 1,200 students in grades K-12 across Idaho. The school offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. The school's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students, helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide throughout the school day.