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Virtual school grad will pursue  his degree in pharmacy at UC

Aaron Ridenour is the valedictorian of his 2010 senior class. The online school Ohio Connections Academy has awarded him a Walton Family Foundation Scholarship for $13,000. Staff photo by Gary Stelzer

GARY STELZER/MBR Aaron Ridenour is the valedictorian of his 2010 senior class. The online school Ohio Connections Academy has awarded him a Walton Family Foundation Scholarship for $13,000. Staff photo by Gary Stelzer

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By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer 1:27 AM Monday, May 31, 2010

MONROE — Aaron Ridenour wants to give back by helping people.

That’s why the 18-year-old senior at the virtual public school — Ohio Connections Academy — plans to take his passion for science and math and further his education after graduating June 6. He plans to pursue a pharmacy degree at the University of Cincinnati.

To help him fulfill his dreams, Ridenour has been awarded a $13,000 Walton Family Foundation Scholarship — administered by the Walmart Foundation. He was selected to receive the scholarship for his outstanding academic records, participation in school and community activities and higher education goals, according to Ohio Connections Academy.

“It will definitely help a lot. I’ll definitely be a lot different going to college and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Ridenour said he chose to major in pharmacy for one reason.

“I knew I wanted to go into something math and science related. I always wanted to be a doctor and help people in some way. Pharmacy came up and the more I learned about it the more I liked it. You’re in front helping people, you’re not stuck in an office or kind of hidden,” he said.

Ridenour has been attending OCA since the school opened in 2003. He has a GPA of 4.13 and is valedictorian of his school’s 2010 senior class.

His mom, Mary Ann, says she and her husband, Barry, are happy for him.

“He has some other scholarships he’s waiting on. We’re very proud. He’s worked really hard. It hasn’t been easy,” she said.

“The one thing that we’ve really like about OCA, he’s already working like he’s a college student. He’s very independent so we’re not worried about college at all.”

Ridenour said the academy has taught him a lot about himself.

“It’s taught me to be independent and work on my own, and to be in charge of my schoolwork,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 483-5219  or dewilson@coxohio.com.

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