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.
The Ohio Digital Learning School, a tuition-free virtual high school for students aged 16 to 21 at risk of dropping out, recently held two graduation ceremonies at the Maumee Indoor Theater, celebrating 160 graduates. These nontraditional students, many balancing jobs or parenting, completed personalized learning plans through daily live or recorded classes. Serving around 1,600 students statewide, the school offers career pathways in healthcare and business and prepares students for college, the military, or the workforce.
Five Arkansas Virtual Academy students, including ninth grader Annabella Addison, placed in the top 10 of the Microsoft Office Specialist Arkansas State Championship spring qualifier. Competing statewide, Anthony Venturella-Michel Jr. earned second place with a perfect score. Eligible students qualified through Microsoft Office certification exams. First-place winners will advance to the 2025 U.S. National Championship in Dallas, with the chance to compete at the World Championship in Orlando, Fla.
Jerome Pathakamuri, a recent Ohio Virtual Academy graduate, has been named K12’s first Chief Student Officer. At 17, he was selected from 500+ applicants for this part-time role to help shape student-focused content, advise on social media trends, and improve the online school experience. Jerome, a business leader and chess team captain, credits OHVA for his growth and plans to study business and marketing this fall at Franciscan University of Steubenville.