A Holiday Party With Purpose: ARVA CTSO Students Connect, Create, and Give Back

The holidays at Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) are about more than festive fun. They are also about connection, creativity, and celebrating students who are building bright futures. Earlier this month, ARVA hosted its annual Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Holiday Party at the ARVA Hub in Little Rock, bringing together more than 130 students and advisors for hands-on activities, project work, and certification opportunities.

While ARVA is a virtual public school, events like this give students the chance to collaborate in person, strengthen friendships, and engage with their CTSO community beyond the screen. The Hub provides a space where students can experience the best of both worlds: flexible learning paired with meaningful, real-world connection.

Hands-On Learning, Powered by Student Passion

Throughout the event, students took part in interactive activities designed to keep learning active and engaging. CTSO members used the time to work on projects, build practical skills, and learn from one another, with advisors and staff on hand to support, encourage, and celebrate their progress.

These experiences help students grow in ways that go far beyond coursework, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professionalism. Those skills matter in any career pathway.

Giving Back, Together

A standout moment from this year’s celebration was the group’s collection of donated presents. The donation effort reflected the heart of the CTSO community and gave students a meaningful way to support others during the holiday season. Community service is an important part of developing career-ready learners, and this project offered a simple, powerful reminder that leadership includes showing up for others.

Recognizing Industry Certification Achievements

A highlight of the day was celebrating students who earned industry certifications during the 2024-2025 school year. These credentials reflect the wide range of career pathways available through ARVA’s career and technical education programs, and the value of learning experiences connected to real-world industry partners.

Students earned certifications in areas including:

Conservation, sustainability, and agriculture

• Ecology Conservation & Management (Ducks Unlimited)
• Fundamentals of Conservation & Sustainability in Agriculture (NRCS)
• Plant Science (BASF)
• Turfgrass Science (Sports Field Management Association)

Career-ready professional skills

• Career Preparedness (Express Employment Professionals)
• Professional Communications (Southwest Airlines)
• Business Office Technology (Express Employment Professionals)
• Personal Financial Literacy (Center for Financial Responsibility)

Skilled trades and hands-on technical pathways

• Residential Construction Skills (Home Builders Association of Alabama)
• Principles of Small Engine Technology (Equipment & Engine Training Council)

Health and animal care

• Veterinary Medical Applications (Elanco)
• Fundamentals of Animal Science (Elanco)
• Principles of Livestock Selection & Evaluation (National Collegiate Livestock Coaches’ Association)
• Equine Management & Evaluation (National Horse Judging Team Coaches’ Association)

Creative careers

• Principles of Floral Design (Benz School of Floral Design)

Industry certifications can help students stand out as they plan for the next step, whether that is college, the workforce, the military, or technical training. ARVA is proud to support students as they pursue credentials that align with their goals.

Building Connection Beyond the Virtual Classroom

ARVA’s in-person gatherings throughout the school year are designed to create community and offer students opportunities to engage in quintessential school experiences. From hands-on learning to recognition moments, the CTSO Holiday Party is one more way ARVA helps students feel connected, supported, and future-focused, no matter where they live.

Looking for a tuition-free option that blends flexibility with career-centered education? Visit our Career and College Prep page to discover how ARVA supports students across Arkansas.

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