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.
Stride was recognized by FlexJobs as one of the top 75 companies hiring for remote roles in 2026, highlighting the company’s continued commitment to flexible work opportunities. Featured alongside leading employers across healthcare, technology, and government, the recognition reinforces Stride’s position as an employer of choice for professionals seeking remote careers in a competitive job market.
K12’s private school, The Keystone School, was recognized as one of the top accredited online private schools for K-12 students in 2026. The ranking highlighted Keystone’s decades-long track record, flexible independent-study model, and strong credit recovery options, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted choice for students seeking a personalized path to graduation.
Safaa Haizoun, from Fairfax County, wanted to try something she’s never done before while competing in a cooking competition. News4’s Jessica Albert reports.