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.
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.
Five students from Idaho Technical Career Academy qualified for the 2025 Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Orlando after standout performances at the regional and state levels. Two others will join the BPA Leadership Academy for leadership development. Events include speech, web design, legal procedures, and more. ITCA’s advisor praised the students’ growth, while participants shared how BPA helped them build confidence, explore interests, and prepare for future careers through real-world, skills-based competition.