Originally published on KBTX – July 10, 2023
The Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) will offer education for Tennessee students who would benefit from having an online option.
Learn more about Volunteer State Virtual Academy, at https://vsva.k12.com/.
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.