Columbus Online Academy Times

Columbus City Schools

May & June, 2023

Volume 2, Issue 8

News

First COA Graduation Held June 2

The first graduation of Columbus Online Academy was held June 2, 2023, at the Short North Ballroom in the Columbus Convention Center at 6 p.m. Staff member volunteers started setting up at 3 p.m., and seniors arrived at 4 p.m. to prepare for the ceremony. For some seniors, this was their first time seeing classmates in person. The staging room was quiet as seniors waited for instructions from Principal Christian Angel and the counseling team.

At 6 p.m., the students walked into the ballroom filled with applause from family and friends. Senior Aniyah Beane led the pledge of allegiance, and Principal Angel introduced Dr. Angela Chapman, the Superintendent of Columbus City Schools.

Tayshawn Pace, graduating early, gave a speech, followed by the Valedictorian, Dre’Aira Lindsay. Another student speaker was Salutatorian Jack Hopper. The final student speaker was Salutatorian Amani Douglas, who introduced Board Member Carol Beckerle. Teachers Deb Rheyne and Rachel Narra read the names of the graduates as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. By 7 p.m., fifty-one students could claim the honor of being the first class to graduate from Columbus Online Academy. View a video of graduation here. Photos by Samantha Hernandez Hernandez.

Principal Christian Angel with Valedictorian Dre'Aira Lindsay

Teacher Rachel Narra with Salutatorian Jack Hopper

Teacher Kathy McQuate with Salutatorian Amani Douglas

Teacher Byrd Prillerman with speaker Tayshawn Pace

Principal Christian Angel with speaker Aniyah Beane

Best All-Around Student Awards Given to Sa'breya Miller and Abigail Berrios

By Amani Douglas

The Columbus Youth Foundation celebrated two Columbus Online Academy students as part of the 88 students selected as Best All-Around Students for Columbus City Schools on May 23. Senior Sa'Breya Miller and Freshman Abigail Berrios were first recommended by their teachers and then chosen for the honor.

The Columbus Youth Foundation sponsors the yearly event, which included Clippers tickets for the nominees and their families, a photo opportunity with a Clippers player, and public recognition of their achievements. Barrios was surprised when her name was randomly picked to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Barrios said, "I got to meet some players and even fist-bump the pitcher!" When asked if she was nervous walking onto the field to throw the ball, Barrios said the employees told her where to walk and stand and that she enjoyed the whole experience. Photos by Sa'Breya Miller and Deb Rheyne.

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Senior Sa'Breya Miller

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Freshman Abigail Berrios

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Sa'Breya Miller and Abigail Berrios

Students Take Government Tour

By Amani Douglas

On Wednesday, May 17, Teacher Byrd Prillerman took a group of students on a walking tour to the Ohio Statehouse and other vital federal buildings in downtown Columbus. Prillerman said the trip's goal was to learn about the levels of government and the different branches and how they work.

Students arrived at 9:15 a.m. and met with Prillerman, Caleb Martin, and Marcus Edwards. Once there, students went inside to start the tour. They went to many different areas where they learned about state legislatures and how they approve a state's budget and initiate tax legislation and articles of impeachment. They also met with the Senate Assistant Minority Leader Hearcel F. Craig, who talked about his job and part in the Senate.

Next, they walked to the Franklin County Government Center, where they spoke with many employees in law enforcement. They then met with Judge James E. Green, who spoke about his job and how he became a judge. As he explained how he went through college to get into law, he said, "It doesn't matter how smart you are, you can't get far if you don't make connections with others."

Then, they went to the State Supreme Court and learned how certain cases get heard by the Supreme Court. Later, they walked to police headquarters and discussed their responsibility of maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities.

The few students and teachers who joined the tour agreed it was a great experience. They thought it was nice to walk around downtown Columbus and see all the different areas and buildings. It was a good way of exploring Ohio's system of government and how they work to help all citizens. Photo courtesy of Byrd Prillerman.

May Mixer

By Ja'Kia Smith

COA held its last mixer of the year on May 26. In-person mixers allow students to get to know each other, meet staff members, and have fun. Forty-eight students attended the May mixer, which lasted from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The activities were:

Origami (led by Gemma Park).
Friendship bracelets (led by Lindsay Santen).
Painting flower pots (led by Lisa Ciminillo).
Coloring (led by Anita Lindsay).
Tie-dye (led by Kathy McQuate).

Teacher John Siemer ran the welcome station, Marcus Edwards led the dance activity and music, and Charlene McChesney and Anita Lindsay led the icebreakers. Teacher Michelle Jeffries led the Apex station, and many other staff members assisted with food preparation and activities.

Junior Ra’Niyea Davis said, "I came to this mixer so I could see all my friends and teachers for one last time before the school year ends. It’s really important for the students and teachers at COA to get to know each other, especially since we are an online school. Having these mixers makes it easier for teachers and students to see each other, learn names, and have an amazing time." Photos by Samantha Hernandez Hernandez.and Kathy McQuate.

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COA Survey

What new movies have you seen (or do you want to see)?

By Amani Douglas

What is your all-time favorite movie?

By Amani Douglas

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Ian Watkins

“My favorite movie would have to be Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki. Every film of his has love and dedication infused into it, but I think Spirited Away is the best example of that. Hayao Miyazaki won an Academy Award in 2003 for the film, and it elevated movie animation at the time. The story is intriguing and enjoyable for all ages, and there is a wonderful world to immerse yourself in.”

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Ya’Maliah Thomas

“Tangled because it's my all time comfort movie and Rapunzel is also the reason why I want to grow my hair out.”

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Teacher Deborah Rheyne

“The Blind Side - My daughter and I used to watch the movie together every time she was sick or in the hospital. My daughter always says it’s a great movie and reminds us that no matter how hard life is, there are those whose lives are more difficult. I love the movie’s message, but also the portrayal that no one is ever purely good or purely evil. They do the best they can in every situation.”

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Daisy Gonzalez Ramos

“All of the toy story movies because they are adventurous.”

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Jaiya Kelley

“Kinda being hard to choose but I'd have to say it's Coraline, going into this year I started back up reading again and I found my favorite feeling when reading is practically being pulled into the world of it, escaping almost, so Coraline being able to escape her home life and finding a more exciting life but figuring out the danger of it is pretty realistic and hits home for me, because in the end she makes the home life she wants by planting those flowers, helping cook food that she wants and more, it goes back to this quote I heard in a show, "Make the world you want to live in." It's inspiring in a way and indulging in an alternative reality that one may desire. I also find something new to look at each time I watch it.”

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Christian Manago

“I would have to say that my all time favorite movie is Interstellar because of the emotions it brought out of me when I watched that movie. I loved every second of it, and I'm trying to expand my horizons when it comes to movies, like watching older movies and the classics.”

Announcements

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Internship Hours

CLICK HERE for the internship hours application form. Students need 120 hours to meet their graduation requirements. Contact Internship Coordinator Steve Baker at sbaker5930@columbus.k12.oh.us.

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CCS Purchases Books for Students' Home Libraries

Columbus City Schools has purchased eight books for each high school student to help families create home libraries through its #TogetherWeRead initiative. Students can pick up their books at COA's space at Walnut Ridge. These books do not have to be returned to CCS.

After finishing the book, students should complete this Google Form and email their English teacher saying it was submitted. English teachers will confirm the hours and send an email to Internship Coordinator Steve Baker.

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