Connections Academy Student From Apple Valley to Speak at Graduation

The last four years for Apple Valley's Rakeyna Sandelin have been quite amazing. A soon-to-be graduate of MTS Minnesota Connections Academy, a K-12 online public school that students attend from home, the senior has had a lot on her plate and she's loved every minute of it. Perhaps a highlight, Rakeyna says, was serving as the elected student council president during the 2013-14 school year.

"Our school is unique in that the students are not all under one roof, but the school and the students work together to make sure that certain things that are available in a traditional brick-and-mortar school are also available here," says Rakeyna. "For example, the student council helped plan many school functions throughout the year. Middle school and high school dances, an Autumn Festival, Game Night, Creative Expressions Night, and many other events and field trips were a fun opportunity to socialize with other students and build memories together." In addition to student council, Rakeyna also participated in the writer's club, served on the prom committee and worked on the school newsletter. She encourages all students, whatever school they attend, to participate in group activities. "I have so many memories that I will cherish for a lifetime." Rakeyna will speak on behalf of MTS Minnesota Connections Academy's nearly 125 graduating seniors June 14th during a traditional graduation ceremony that will bring together families, peers and school faculty.