Three residents of Bonner County joined 226 other students in graduating from Inspire Connections Academy during an in-person commencement ceremony held Friday, May 29, at Morrison Center in Boise. The Class of 2026 marked a milestone for the tuition-free online public school, which has now completed its 20th year of operation serving K-12 students statewide.
Bonner County’s graduating class included Morgan Howard of Oldtown, Coen Smith of Sagle, and Nathan Sorensen of Cocolalla. In total, 150 seniors participated in the ceremony and walked across the stage, representing the broader cohort of 229 graduates from across Idaho.
School Serves Over 1,200 Idaho Students
Inspire Connections Academy operates as a statewide distance-learning public school currently enrolling more than 1,200 students across Idaho. The academy offers flexible coursework designed to accommodate students who may face barriers to traditional classroom attendance, whether due to work schedules, family commitments, or other circumstances requiring educational flexibility.
The school’s leadership emphasized the value of its model. Kenny McAlister, the school leader, noted that “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.”
One graduate whose path exemplifies the school’s mission is Yasmin Barriga of Shoshone, who completed her fifth and final year at the academy this spring. Barriga earned a Certified Nursing Assistant certification while maintaining her coursework, demonstrating how the school’s flexible structure accommodates students balancing multiple responsibilities. “The flexibility allowed me to work, complete my Certified Nursing Assistant program, and stay on track with my coursework,” Barriga said. She plans to enroll in a registered nursing program, building on the clinical foundation she established through her CNA certification.
Post-Graduation Plans Span College, Trade, and Military
The Class of 2026 demonstrates diverse post-secondary paths. Thirty-four percent of graduates plan to attend either a two-year or four-year college or university. An additional 23 percent intend to pursue vocational training in fields such as skilled trades, reflecting broader national demand for workers in construction, manufacturing, and related industries. Fourteen percent of the class plan to enter the workforce directly, while 6 percent have chosen to join the military or take a gap year before making their next educational or career decision.
To prepare students for these varied transitions, Inspire Connections Academy offers a College and Career Readiness program available to middle and high school students. The program emphasizes career pathways in fields including information technology, business, health sciences, and marketing—industries with strong employment outlooks and wage growth potential.
The Class of 2026 collectively earned more than $1.5 million in scholarships and awards, reflecting both academic achievement and the school’s success in connecting graduates with financial aid opportunities for higher education.
Leadership and Recognition
Student speaker Shaelyn Corker of Coeur d’Alene and faculty speaker Beth Sampson addressed the graduating class. Academic honors were awarded to Mylee Solomon of McCammon, who earned valedictorian status, and Angelika Mosley of Challis, who was named salutatorian.
The graduation ceremony represents a significant accomplishment for a school that has undergone substantial growth since its founding two decades ago. As Idaho’s online public school sector continues to expand, institutions like Inspire Connections Academy provide an increasingly important option for families seeking educational alternatives that fit non-traditional schedules and learning preferences.
Bonner County students interested in learning more about the school’s enrollment process or curriculum may find related resources through the academy’s statewide outreach efforts. For those considering online education, the success of recent graduates in both higher education and career pathways demonstrates the viability of the school’s model.
Families across North Idaho seeking flexible educational options are encouraged to explore what Inspire Connections Academy offers. The school continues to accept enrollment inquiries from students in grades K-12 throughout Idaho.