Maine Connections Academy (MCA), the state’s first tuition-free, online public charter school, honored its Class of 2026 with an in-person graduation ceremony Friday, June 5, at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland. 

Several of the honored Maine Connections Academy graduates represent the Knox and Waldo counties. They include Alexia Davis of Searsmont and Pierce Novacek of Camden.

The ceremony marked the school's 11th graduating class since its founding. This year’s cohort includes 90 graduates who represent the geographical diversity of the state, with students hailing from 15 of Maine's 16 counties, according to MCA, in a news release.

The 2026 commencement address was delivered by alumnae Kate Re, a Class of 2022 graduate and professional Super Late Model car racer.

"Re, who began her racing career at age eight, serves as an inspiring example of how the school’s flexible learning model allows students to pursue ambitious personal goals alongside their academics," said MCA.

Academic Honors and Achievements

The Class of 2026 features several standout scholars and award winners:

-Valedictorian: Lisa Moses-Fynn from Machias, who was also awarded a MELMAC Scholarship.

-Salutatorian: Alberto Cutone from Kennebunk, who has been appointed to the United States Naval Academy where he plans to pursue aviation.

-Mitchell Scholarship Recipient: Wyatt Tarr.

-Worthington Scholarship Recipients: Wyatt Tarr and Leif Edwards.

Statewide Representation 

Maine Connections Academy’s 2026 class hails from Androscoggin to York County, with plenty of representation across the pine state:

• 7 graduates from Androscoggin County

• 6 from Aroostook

• 13 from Cumberland

• 6 from Kennebec

• 2 from Knox

• 5 from Lincoln

• 2 from Oxford

• 19 from Penobscot

• 2 from Piscataquis

• 1 from Sagadahoc

• 6 from Somerset

• 4 from Waldo

• 2 from Washington

• 11 from York

Future Readiness

The graduates of the Class of 2026 are prepared for diverse post-secondary transitions.

Statistics for the class include:

-33% attending two- or four-year colleges.

-27% entering the workforce.

-9% pursuing vocational training.

-18% taking a gap year.

-2% joining the military.

Notable college acceptances for this year's class include the U.S. Naval Academy, Maine College of Art & Design, and various University of Maine campuses, according to MCA.

Maine Connections Academy (MCA) is a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades 7-12 across the state. Opened in 2014, MCA offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. Teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best, and gaining the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the real world. For more information, call 1-833-591-0251 or visit www.MaineConnectionsAcademy.com.