Durant second grader Aurora Shirey of Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy won first place at the elementary science fair by showing plants grow faster with music. She grew two tomato plants—one exposed to calming music and one without—and documented the difference. Aurora’s curiosity has flourished at OVCA, where she’s encouraged to explore. For her win, Aurora received a microscope to fuel her passion for science.
Lakewood senior Asher Weideman of Washington Virtual Academies is balancing academics with a rising career in professional disc golf. Competing in the Mixed Professional Open Division, he recently earned his first MPO victory after years of national tournaments. Online learning has allowed him to train, travel, and stay on track for graduation. Now earning college credits through Running Start, Asher plans to study business at GCU while continuing to pursue opportunities on the pro disc golf circuit.
After health challenges made traditional school unsafe, Heron Virtual Academy senior Elizabeth Gilmore turned to virtual learning and found new opportunities to thrive. Now an A/B honor roll student, she serves as president of her school’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, the only fully virtual school in the nation participating. Gilmore recently represented South Carolina at the National Student Leadership Academy and plans to study political science in college, aiming for a leadership role in the federal government.
Cordelia, a senior at Wisconsin Virtual Academy, is one of four student musicians advancing to the final round of the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Bolz Young Artist Competition at the Overture Center for the Arts. A violinist since age three, she has already earned national recognition, including first prize at the 2024 American International Music Competition and semifinalist honors in the 2025 Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Stars of Tomorrow Competition.