Missouri Digital Academy teacher Hannah Fraley is a quarter-finalist in the 2025 America’s Favorite Teacher competition, which honors exceptional educators. The winner receives $25,000, a Hawaii trip, a Reader’s Digest feature, and a school assembly with Bill Nye. Fraley, recently diagnosed with endometriosis, says the prize would help with medical debt and plans to donate some winnings to her school. Her creative campaign includes a TikTok with her daughter dressed as Napoleon Dynamite to rally votes.
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At Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, an esports program uses competitive gaming like League of Legends and Rocket League to build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Students balance academics with structured team play similar to traditional sports. The program has helped students grow in confidence and engagement, including quieter students who became leaders. Supporters say esports develops real-world skills and can lead to careers in gaming, technology, and related fields.
Anderson Mother-Daughter Duo’s New Book Aims To Help Children With Anxiety
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Centreville Scout on Track for Eagle Scout Rank at Just 14 Years Old
At 14, Leelan Gold of Centreville, a student at Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan, is close to becoming an Eagle Scout—an achievement only about 4% reach. He has earned 52 merit badges in three years and only needs to complete his Eagle Project, building about 100 birdhouses honoring veterans. Motivated by service and supported by flexible virtual schooling, he also pursues cybersecurity and programming and hopes to inspire others facing medical challenges.