Ean Okpechi, a 17-year-old from Los Angeles, graduated high school early through iQ Academy of Los Angeles, a full-time online public school. The flexible, tuition-free program allowed him to take dual enrollment college courses and explore interests like boxing and biotechnology. Ean, inspired by his sister’s health journey, plans to pursue biomedical engineering and dermatology. He’s been accepted to several universities and hopes to transfer to UCLA or USC. His story shows how students can thrive in personalized, supportive learning environments.
Related Articles
Lessons From the Virtual Music Room
Dawn Firak, a 3rd–5th grade music teacher at Missouri Digital Academy (MODA), shares lessons from teaching music virtually. She emphasizes the importance of trust, wait time, and strong relationships with students and families to create a thriving online classroom. Firak has built engaging experiences like a recorder club to foster connection and belonging. Her approach shows that even in a virtual environment, meaningful relationships and thoughtful pacing help students grow musically, socially, and emotionally.
Ohio Virtual Academy Teacher Creates Cardinal Cafe
Karen Bacon, a special education transition liaison at Ohio Virtual Academy, was named Best K–12 Teacher in the 2025 Tech Edvocate Awards for her innovation and leadership. She created the Cardinal Café, a virtual training environment where students practice workforce skills like interviewing, managing orders, and workplace etiquette. Since its launch, the program has expanded to other interactive simulations, helping students prepare for careers, college, or the military—all while keeping learning engaging and hands-on.
How One Teen Is Pursuing His Goal To Achieve Olympic Gold
Seventeen-year-old Quinn Derheimer is chasing his dream of competing in the 2030 Olympics as a short track speed skater. After starting in hockey at age five, he discovered speed skating and quickly fell in love with the sport. Quinn now trains weekly at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee while attending Indiana Gateway Digital Academy online, allowing him to balance intense training with school. Nationally ranked and competing internationally, Quinn remains focused on steady progress toward his Olympic goal.