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.
Kaitlyn Huffman, 17, graduated a year early as valedictorian from iQ Academy of Los Angeles, earning 20 college credits through online public schooling. She credits time management, sleep, family support, and faith for her success. Originally attending Rosamond High, she switched to online school after her siblings faced challenges in traditional settings. Kaitlyn plans to study nursing at Antelope Valley College and teaches Sunday School. Her mother describes her as smart, kind, and deeply dedicated.
Sara Akmel, an eighth grader at Mill Creek Middle School, placed second in the National Civics Bee Washington State Championship, earning a $500 prize. The competition featured 15 middle school students selected through essays and regional contests. Hosted in Olympia, finalists answered civics questions and pitched ideas to improve their communities. Maanha Nasir of Washington Virtual Academies won first place and will represent the state at the national competition in Washington, D.C. in November.
