Fifteen-year-old figure skater Sofia Bezkorovainaya is channeling grief into purpose, dedicating her routines to her late friend Everly Livingston, who died in the Flight 5342 tragedy. A student at Virginia Virtual Academy, Sofia balances elite training with online learning. She recently placed top six at the U.S. Junior Championships and is considered a strong contender for the 2030 Winter Olympics, with her sights set on Olympic gold.
Shakira Roberts, a former Del Rio teacher, now teaches English from home for the Digital Academy of Texas and says virtual learning renewed her passion for teaching. She’s part of a growing shift toward online education in Texas, where enrollment has surged to 62,000 students. New legislation, including Senate Bill 569, allows districts to expand virtual and hybrid options, with schools like Northside Independent School District planning fully online campuses to meet rising demand.
The Well-Being by Design Fellowship has named nine fellows to its 2026 cohort. The five-month program, led by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, supports designers, educators, and researchers creating digital products that prioritize children’s well-being. Fellows collaborate through workshops and expert consultations, culminating in published case studies. Among them is Dr. Mariya Nikolayev of Stride, Inc., advancing research on digital learning and child development.
About 1,000 students, families, educators, and lawmakers gathered at the Florida Capitol to celebrate National School Choice Week and highlight the impact of education choice. Families shared multigenerational stories of success, including students thriving through specialized support, scholarships, and flexible learning models. One parent highlighted how the Digital Academy of Florida provides the right academic fit and flexibility for her daughter. State leaders emphasized Florida’s commitment to empowering families to choose the best education for their children.