Ben Williams of West Columbia recently graduated from South Carolina Connections Academy, a tuition-free virtual public school that serves students in grades K-12 statewide.

S.C. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) honored Ben Williams and two others with a Congressional record for their speeches at Capitol Day.

There are three other Connections graduates from West Columbia. They are: Bailey Epting; Ashton Lovell; and Siara Pineda.

Ben was born with birth defects in both ears, and has gone through multiple surgeries and challenges. He has attended school online through South Carolina Connections Academy for five years. He switched to the school for a more flexible schedule and individualized attention from teachers. .Ben has been able to overcome his challenges and excel in school, and also travel. In summer of 2014, Ben went with the school to Europe and had a fantastic time discovering the cities of London, Paris and Rome.

At South Carolina Connections Academy, Ben’s favorite classes are history, English, reading and science. After high school, he wants to work in the food industry, and plans to attend either the College of Charleston or the University of South Carolina after graduation to study Hospitality and Tourism Management with a minor in business.