Springfield junior Daymn Bridge is thriving in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Destinations Career Academy of Oregon after struggling in traditional school. The online model’s shorter lessons help him stay engaged while gaining hands-on experience in construction, welding, and more. He credits mentor Bob Tatum for his success and hopes to become an ironworker.
Ethan Marshall, a high school senior with a learning disability and ADHD, turned an Easterseals summer internship into a part-time job at Piggly Wiggly, gaining confidence, job skills, and independence. His journey is part of a full-circle family story—his father also benefited from Alabama’s vocational services years ago. Now, Ethan is set to graduate from Alabama Virtual Academy and continues thriving thanks to Easterseals of the Birmingham Area, whose programs empower people with disabilities across all ages through job training, therapy, and more.
Zoe’ Bell, a Monroe native and top graduate of Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy, earned $3.4 million in scholarships and will attend NYU’s Gallatin School. With a 4.3 GPA, she received both the Jack Kent Cooke and Gates Scholarships. Zoe served as a Senate Page Intern in D.C. and held leadership roles with JAG Louisiana.
After her daughter Stella’s autism diagnosis, Megan Tehseldar—an educator at Texas Virtual Academy Hallsville—was inspired to create more inclusive spaces. Partnering with Harris County and nonprofit Channing’s Joy, she helped install communication boards at two Houston-area parks to support non-verbal children and make playgrounds more accessible for the autism and special needs communities.