From Rural Roots to National Recognition: How May Found Success at ARVA

For May, education has always been about balancing school, farm life and preparing for the future. Growing up on a 150-year-old family farm in Floral, May found that the customizable learning model at Arkansas Virtual Academy (ARVA) allowed her to thrive academically while staying connected to her roots. Last year, she graduated with honors, capping off a high school experience that blended academic achievement, hands-on learning and national recognition.

Paving a Unique Path

While May’s journey with ARVA began as a practical choice for her family, it quickly became the foundation for her academic and professional success. With ARVA’s adaptable schedule, she and her younger brother balanced farm responsibilities — like raising lambs, quarter horses and chickens — while keeping up with their studies.

That real-world experience extended beyond the farm through May’s role on the National Stride Career and College Prep Student Advisory Council, a 27-member group of juniors and seniors from K12 virtual schools across the country. The council serves as a paid internship where students gain leadership experience, collaborate on professional projects and serve as peer advisors and ambassadors for K12-powered schools.

May not only represented Arkansas on a national level but also became the only student in the state to receive the Outstanding Student Advisor Award, which included a $600 grant to support her future goals.

Bridging Online Learning with Real-World Experience

May’s time on the Student Advisory Council wasn’t just an extracurricular activity — it provided her with firsthand experience in business, marketing and leadership, an opportunity that isn’t always available to students in rural areas.

“I really wanted to experience what it was like to work for a company because we do live in a rural area, and I have always schooled online,” May said. “I want to be able to work online in the future, so this internship helped me gain the skills that I can put on my resume to help me get online jobs in the future.”

May also built a portfolio of work to feature on her resume and college applications. Her projects focused on social media marketing, aligning with her career interests in advertising and graphic design. Through the internship, she also gained insight into large-company product development processes and met with college representatives, company executives and fellow interns from across the country.

Academic Excellence and Career Readiness

While excelling in leadership roles, May was also making significant academic strides. Thanks to ARVA’s dual enrollment program, she earned an associate degree in art from National Park College of Hot Springs — just days before receiving her high school diploma.

ARVA’s career and technical education programs also allowed her to earn professional certifications in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and financial planning, giving her a competitive edge as she looks toward future opportunities.

A Supportive Learning Community

For May and her family, ARVA has been more than just an online school — it’s a community of support that helped her reach her full potential. With guidance from ARVA’s teachers, learning coaches and career advisors, she was able to customize her education in a way that traditional schools couldn’t offer.

“We are so proud of May, a sharp young woman who has displayed extraordinary leadership, initiative and a spirit of collaboration during her seven-month service on the council,” ARVA Head of School Amy Johnson said. “She has represented ARVA and Arkansas well on this national council, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

With a high school diploma, associate degree, national recognition and hands-on experience, May has built a strong foundation for the future. At 18, she is a junior at Arkansas State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in digital art and animation. Her leadership, academic achievements and hands-on experiences — in the classroom and on the farm — played a key role in her ability to transition seamlessly into higher education.

May’s story is a testament to ARVA’s commitment to student success, helping her seamlessly transition from high school to higher education with the skills and confidence needed to excel.

Find Your Path with ARVA

ARVA provides students the support, resources and opportunities to thrive — academically and beyond. Whether your student is seeking career preparation, dual enrollment options or a personalized learning experience, ARVA offers a pathway to success. Learn more about ARVA’s career-focused education by visiting our How It Works page and enrolling today!

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