Arkansas Virtual Academy senior Samiyyah Burkhalter has been named a BigFuture Ambassador for the Spring 2026 cohort, joining 5,800 students nationwide. As an ambassador, she will support peers with post-graduation planning using BigFuture.org’s free college and career resources. ARVA leaders praised her national recognition and leadership. Arkansas Virtual Academy is a tuition-free, full-time online public school serving K–12 students statewide.
Corin Stanaway of Idaho Technical Career Academy has been named a candidate for the U.S. Department of Education’s Presidential Scholars Program. Stanaway is one of 82 Idaho students selected by the state superintendent for excellence in academics, arts, or career-technical education. Nationwide, up to 161 students will be named Presidential Scholars, with final honorees announced by the U.S. Department of Education this summer.
After being diagnosed with MS, Virginia Virtual Academy teacher Mullins found a way to keep doing what she loves. She shared that the disease brought frightening symptoms, including vision problems and severe fatigue, that would have made teaching in a traditional classroom impossible. By teaching from home, she’s able to continue supporting students while managing her health, and says the virtual setting has allowed her to stay in the profession.
Raven Byrd, a middle school English Language Arts teacher at Texas Online Preparatory School, Digital Learning Day was a reminder that technology is now central to how East Texas students learn and connect. She says online learning offers flexibility, safety, and personalized support, but also makes digital citizenship essential. Byrd encourages families to help students build safe, responsible online habits through regular check-ins, thoughtful posting, and clear boundaries so they can navigate technology with confidence.