Five student chefs from across the country competed in the K12 National Cook-Off finals in Arlington, VA, judged by culinary experts Adam Hoffa, Isabel Coss, and Brian MacNair. Finalists had one hour to prepare an entrée and 30 minutes for a dessert using surprise ingredients. Isla P., a ninth grader from Texas Virtual Academy, won the competition. The event celebrates young culinary talent, with episodes on YouTube and a People’s Choice vote running July 23–29.
Three Wyoming Virtual Academy students, Xavier Beckstead, Breana Fonseca, and Jeraldi Fonseca, were selected for the University of Wyoming’s prestigious 2026 Summer High School Institute. Chosen through a competitive nomination process, they joined top students from across the state for three weeks of college-level coursework, hands-on research, leadership development, and campus experiences designed to prepare future scholars for success in higher education.
West Virginia Virtual Academy student Eden Faulcon has been selected to participate in the 2026 SpaceTrek Program, a competitive residential STEM experience focused on aerospace engineering and space systems. Chosen from a diverse applicant pool, Eden will join students from across Appalachia for two weeks of hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world engineering challenges designed to inspire the next generation of innovators.
