Morgan Washburn, a virtual middle school academic administrator at Friendship Public Charter School Online—a Stride K12 school—was elected to a three-year term as Women’s Leadership Representative on the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture® Board. A former FFA advisor and ag teacher, Washburn brings deep experience in education and advocacy. Passionate about agricultural literacy, she works to connect students with farming and promote informed decision-making about agriculture. She and her husband run a family farm with cattle and micro-miniature donkeys.
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Ohio Virtual Academy Teacher Creates Cardinal Cafe
Karen Bacon, a special education transition liaison at Ohio Virtual Academy, was named Best K–12 Teacher in the 2025 Tech Edvocate Awards for her innovation and leadership. She created the Cardinal Café, a virtual training environment where students practice workforce skills like interviewing, managing orders, and workplace etiquette. Since its launch, the program has expanded to other interactive simulations, helping students prepare for careers, college, or the military—all while keeping learning engaging and hands-on.
How One Teen Is Pursuing His Goal To Achieve Olympic Gold
Seventeen-year-old Quinn Derheimer is chasing his dream of competing in the 2030 Olympics as a short track speed skater. After starting in hockey at age five, he discovered speed skating and quickly fell in love with the sport. Quinn now trains weekly at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee while attending Indiana Gateway Digital Academy online, allowing him to balance intense training with school. Nationally ranked and competing internationally, Quinn remains focused on steady progress toward his Olympic goal.