At just 15, Beech Island student Nico Guzman is already serving as a fire cadet while balancing school and sports. Inspired by his father, a local lieutenant, he joined the volunteer fire service to help others and quickly found his passion. He credits Heron Virtual Academy for providing flexible, supportive online learning that helps him manage ADHD while staying on track academically. Nico plans to become a certified firefighter by age 18.
iQ Academy of California, Los Angeles held its annual in-person back-to-school event in Glendale on Sept. 11, giving online students and families a chance to connect face-to-face. This year’s event also included a 9/11 remembrance with Glendale police and student-made thank-you cards for FDNY Engine 10.
Among 16,000 National Merit semifinalists named nationwide, the Southern Denton County list includes Tanmay Vasudeva of Lewisville, a student at Texas Virtual Academy of Hallsville, alongside students from Argyle, Denton and Lewisville ISDs.
Jessenia Espino, a credit recovery English teacher at Indiana Digital Learning School, is helping build a library in the British Virgin Islands after learning children there lacked book access. She’s donated over 127 books from friends, family and coworkers and is now organizing a Scholastic Books fundraising campaign to expand the collection.