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Our BRAGS! Honors, Awards and Special Programs |
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Chandler Online Academy (2022-2023) |
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Willow Root from Chandler Online Academy is a fantastic young lady who is smart, athletic, kind, and an old soul. She is involved in rodeo, cutting, and barrel racing. Willow is top 5 in the state for breakaway roping in the Arizona High School Rodeo Association. Don't let the country exterior fool you. She is punk rock at heart. She will attend Central Arizona College on a rodeo scholarship to study music production and sound engineering. Chandler Online Academy Graduate Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2022-2023) |
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT: Allyson Farnsworth from Chandler Online Academy loves gaming, building with Legos, and eating McDonald's. She has been through a lot these last couple of years and still was able to graduate! She plans on studying behavioral health at South Mountain Community College. Chandler Online Academy Graduate Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Hana Roushdy is an amazing student who worked hard to graduate a year early! After attending her freshman year of high school in Egypt, Hana arrived at COA with big goals. She completed classes with an extremely high level of effort and quality. She has been accepted to Arizona State University's nursing program. And after ASU graduation, she hopes to study at University of Pennsylvania for a Masters of Science in Nursing and Masters in Nurse-Midwifery. Hana wants to establish her own birthing center after completing her education. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Brody Solomonson is a Chandler Online Academy early graduate this year. He maintained academic excellence and held a full-time job, where he plans to work after graduation with hopes of owning that business in the future. Brody is a kind, intelligent and personable young man who has impressed the teachers and staff at Chandler Online with his work ethic and extra efforts to make connections. He also plans to pursue a business degree. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Carter Schmitz came to COA at the beginning of his senior year after moving to Germany to play soccer. Doing his courses online allowed him to train at a professional level and have the flexibility to do his work. Although dealing with a time difference, Carter always worked with his teachers to thoroughly learn the material. During his two years in Europe, he took a total of nine AP/IB courses and maintained straight A's. Playing professional soccer is a lifelong goal of Carter's and he hopes to play in Germany, return to the United States, and attend college to study engineering or sports medicine while playing soccer. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Austin Ulano came to COA at the beginning of his senior year. Austin maintained a 4.4 GPA, but he also pursued his passion for video games. He was actively recruited by several e-sports organizations to join a new professional team created to play the video game Valorant. While pursuing his e-sports career, Austin was accepted to Barrett, the Honors College at ASU and will study computer science in the fall at the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. This well rounded, hardworking young man will be able to take the path of his choosing, and we are so proud of all his outstanding efforts. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Derek Spears came to COA at the beginning of his junior year from Michigan. He played ice hockey at a very high level, involving hours of training and traveling that complements well with his COA program. He consistently completed his work and was always communicating with teachers when he needed help. Derek is a driven student who finished his courses early each semester, so he found time to study for his real estate license, which he hopes to test for this summer. He will be attending Arizona State University in the fall to study business. Derek's genuine kindness, consistency and hard work have created such opportunities for him to shine. His life is full of possibilities, and we know he will capitalize on every opportunity. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Tamara Grujicic was a member of the National Honor Society and maintained a 4.1 GPA. She is musically inclined and ready to learn any instrument. She plays the piano, ukulele and guitar in addition to having played the violin in ACP's Symphonic Orchestra. She was selected to receive the prestigious Arizona State University Alumni Association Medallion Scholarship for four years. Tamara is being honored for exceling in academics, leadership, and service. She will major in computer science while competing in recurve archery and writing drafts for a novel. Her plan is to pursue her PhD while continuing her work to serve her community. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Landon Carter joined COA in the summer of his freshman year. Landon maintained a 4.0 GPA while pursuing his passion for playing soccer. Participating in online courses gave Landon the opportunity to play professional soccer for Phoenix Rising Football Club. His goal is to either play for a college or play professionally after graduating high school. Landon enjoys drawing, hiking and vacationing with family. Landon's dedication, motivation and high level of achievement will guide him to successfully meet his goals. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Irlanda Castro Gonzalez came to COA during her junior year. Irlanda maintained straight A's in all her courses as a bilingual student. While enjoying her hobbies of baking cookies, dancing, and painting, Irlanda also volunteers for Feed My Starving Children. One place Irlanda would like to visit is Italy's beaches since swimming in the ocean is her favorite activity. Irlanda will attend W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University to study marketing. Her ability to focus and advocate for herself will bring Irlanda to success. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2021-2022) |
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Ellie Marie Pascavis came to Chandler Online Academy in 10th grade. A smart and strong-willed young lady, she demonstrates consistency in her work habits and a strong desire to do well, no matter the assignment. Ellie definitely pushes herself to where she wants to be. She will attend Arizona State University in the fall where she hopes to pursue a degree in nursing or law while also earning a minor in business. Chandler Online Academy Senior Spotlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2020-2021) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Emmie VanderPluym is a Chandler Online Academy senior who participated in softball, badminton, technical theater and Arizona Youth Climate Strike during her four years of high school. Creating and selling pottery has fueled her creative side for the past two years, so she will continue to pursue that art next year in college. She is planning to attend NAU in the fall where she earned the Lumberjack Scholarship and will be majoring in forestry with a minor in ceramic art. She hopes to be a Park Ranger National Forest Ranger or a mycologist after finishing school. We look forward to watching as she continues to live her best life and pursues greatness in the years to come. We are so proud of you Emmie! Chandler Online Academy Senior Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Kaleb Heimburg came to Chandler Online Academy to pursue a higher level of competition in his sport of rodeo where he competes in roping. He has excelled as an online student and done very well on the rodeo circuit, even qualifying for the Junior World Finals in Team Roping. Next year, he will attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College where he will begin to earn a degree in accounting and finance. Congratulations Kaleb! We are excited to watch you continue to pursue those things in life that bring you such happiness. Your work ethic and desire to succeed will serve you very well! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Mark Self came to Chandler Online Academy to have more time to train in his chosen sport of gymnastics. Mark succeeded with his academics, his athletics and with his career training. He competed in Regionals for his gym as a level 10 gymnast and also earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification while attending the East Valley Institute of Technology. Next year, he will use his CCNA and other Cybersecurity certifications to begin his career in Information Technology. His favorite quote by Juan DeBiedma summarizes his thoughts about this next part of his life: "It's my personal belief that human beings are naturally meant to persevere. No matter what happens, as long as we simply make the decision not to give up, it simply does get better if you believe it will. " Mark has never given up on any dream he has set out to pursue and has found great success. Congratulations Mark! We are grateful to have watched you persevere and rise above all expectations! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Logan Barbour came to Chandler Online Academy to have a different and better educational experience for himself. He has excelled online all while maintaining a full time job. He has also been able to make his schedule work so that he has time to do the things that he enjoys most in life, including playing volleyball and being the worship leader for the youth group at his church. His favorite life advice is: "It's not about how you get knocked down, it's about how you get back up and keep pushing forward." He has pushed himself academically so that he was able to finish his graduation requirements a quarter early, and now he is set to attend Arizona State University where he will major in business management. Congratulations, Logan! We are proud of you! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Andi Swirbul has attended Chandler Online Academy since her 9th grade year. During her time at Chandler Online Academy, Andi has become an outstanding advocate for herself and will stop at nothing to achieve. A passion she has chosen to pursue is karate where she has competed on a national level and earned TWO black belts during high school! She also attends the EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) physical therapy tech program, will earn her certificate as a PT Tech, and has been accepted to the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering at Arizona State University where she will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering beginning this fall. Her most useful advice in life is to remember that intelligence means nothing if you aren't willing to work hard. Andi definitely works hard, and we are so proud of her accomplishments and the person she has become. Congratulations, Andi! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Devyn Faulkner came to Chandler Online Academy when she was struggling daily to attend school due to illness. She found her niche in the online academic world quickly and has become one of the top students in the program. She bravely battled illness, became an advocate for others dealing with the same illness, and excelled academically. For the past two years, she attended the East Valley Institute of Technology to become a certified medical assistant. She spent over 250 hours volunteering to assist staff at Cardon Children's and Banner Desert medical centers and will pursue a degree in nursing next year at NAU. Her experience as a patient and medical assistant will help her understand and assist patients in their time of need. Her mantra is to always show up ready to work hard and give the world the best you can offer. She has shown up in a way many would struggle to do even without battling a chronic illness, and has definitely given it her best. Congratulations, Devyn! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Winifred "Winnie" Breen came to Chandler Online Academy to have more time to pursue other interests outside of school. She has been able to keep up with her academics and at the same time pursue other passions. One of those passions is Taekwondo. In the past three years, she has earned her black belt and been able to start coaching Taekwondo. She also sings and enjoys playing music that she writes. While pursuing all these fun activities, she has been accepted to Arizona State University for the fall of 2020, where she will pursue a degree in psychology. The best advice she has been given is that the only direction you can look is forward. She has definitely not stopped looking forward. Things have not always been easy in her life, but looking forward with a positive attitude has gotten her through those times and led her to amazing success! Congratulations, Winnie! We are excited to watch you move forward in life. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Sydney Chun came to Chandler Online Academy because she was moving to Singapore to train with the national swim team there but wanted to maintain a rigorous level of education and attend the college of her choice. Today, she continues to train in Singapore with Olympic swim trials in her future, finished all graduation requirements early, and has been accepted to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in fall 2020 to study bioengineering. Sydney is a great student and a wonderful person who enjoys helping others, even leading a group to raise funds for brain tumor research. The best advice she has ever received was, "Never quit. If you stumble get back up. What happened yesterday no longer matters. Today's another day, so get back on track and move closer to your dreams and goals. " This young lady has accomplished so many things on her own from halfway across the world. We are excited to watch all her hard work pay off! Congratulations, Sydney! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Katie Quinn came to Chandler Online in order to go on a trip to Nepal that would take place in the middle of the year and cause her to miss school. She finished her coursework with excellent grades and went to Nepal. While there, she met with a student her family had sponsored for over nine years, helped rebuild a school, and promoted education for girls. This trip further sparked her passion for helping some of the world's poorest populations, so she plans to volunteer overseas (if the world allows it) for a year and then attend ASU Barrett Honors College for a degree in Political Science with a possible minor in Business. This summer she will take a course on war abolishment and receive a certificate of peacemaker at its completion. Her heart is filled with a desire to help those that cannot always help themselves. Best advice she's been given: "Do not let others' expectations of you limit what you achieve. " Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Talim Palomino came to Chandler Online Academy with a goal to graduate at the end of his junior year. He accomplished that goal and so much more. He has excelled with academics in the online learning environment and will be attending college in Fall 2020 to begin his path toward a nursing degree while also taking courses in business and entrepreneurship. Talim is also an elite martial artist. A 5-time State Karate Champion, he ranked 3rd this past year on the national level. He will continue to compete as he attends college, representing the country in Karate on a national and international level. He enjoys coaching younger karate students, encouraging them to work hard and never give up. Best advice he's been given: "I want to feel life. That's why I'm not afraid of pain. That's why I'm not afraid to take risks. The world is YOURS. " Talim has not met an obstacle he cannot overcome. The world is HIS! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2019-2020) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Eric Schrooten came to Chandler Online Academy as a freshman. He has flourished in the online learning environment and was admitted to ASU Barrett Honors College for Fall 2020. Eric has a passion and ability for learning world languages. This year, the Mandarin teacher recommended he be allowed to take both Mandarin Chinese 1 and 2 at the same time due to his unique ability to quickly pick up on languages. Not only is Eric linguistically gifted, but he has a heart for others. He volunteered through a program at the Hospice of the Valley where he worked with the siblings of children who were in hospice care. He hopes to work with students one day as he earns his PhD and plans to research and teach in an academic setting. Best advice he's been given: "Instead of depending on others to solve your problems, rely on your own abilities. " Eric has truly taken his education to the next level. He has the skills to be successful at whatever he chooses to pursue. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2018-2019) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Victoria Wilson is a senior at Chandler Online Academy who has done so much outside of the traditional school setting. She has not only completed her traditional course work, but she has also completed the Veterinary Assistant Program at EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology), and she attended and completed a program at the Academy of Equine Dentistry in Idaho. Attending online school has allowed Victoria to keep a rigorous academic course load and be very involved in her passion of working with horses. On top of all these accomplishments, she also received an appointment to the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY! We are so proud of Victoria and all she has done, but we cannot wait to see all that she will continue to do. The sky is the limit for this young lady! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2018-2019) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Kenadie Cooper has attended all four years of high school at Chandler Online Academy. She is an outstanding young lady who excels in both ice hockey and her academics. Going to online school allowed for her to capitalize on the opportunity to attend the North American Hockey Academy in Vermont during each year, while completing her Honors and AP high school courses with outstanding success. In the fall, she will attend St. Anselm College in New Hampshire, as an NCAA Division I ice hockey player. It has been a privilege to watch Kenadie flourish, competing in a sport she has such a passion for. Her ability to focus, train, learn, live away from home and still keep everything organized will be a tremendous asset to her in this next part of her journey. We know she will find even further success as a St. Anselm Hawk! Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2018-2019) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Christian Walstad is a Chandler Online Academy senior who has done incredible work online. He plans to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then will attend the University of Utah where he will pursue a career in the medical field. Christian has worked hard and earned a 4.15 GPA which is a reflection of his grit and determination to do well in spite of hardships. We are excited for his future success. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2018-2019) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Catherine Baxter is a Chandler Online Academy senior who is looking forward to her next adventure at ASU Barrett Honors College studying civil engineering. Her hard work in high school has resulted in her being awarded a New American University Merit Scholarship as well as the Provost Scholarship at ASU. While in high school Catherine took many college courses and was extremely successful at that level. We look forward to seeing all that Catherine accomplishes in this next phase of her journey. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2017-2018) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Reid Miller has spent the past four years at Chandler Online Academy and playing ice hockey for the North American Hockey League in Pennsylvania. He was able to train/play out of state and still do very well academically. He graduates with the goal of attending college back east while pursuing a career in professional ice hockey in either the United States or Canada. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2017-2018) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Jadyn Gordon graduated with her high school diploma from Chandler Online Academy, and she was able to finish the Nursing program at EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) and earn her LNA (Licensed Nursing Assistant) diploma as well. She currently works at Banner Hospital in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and will continue to do so as she attends Arizona State University in the fall to pursue a major in Nursing and Health Innovation. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2017-2018) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Camden Pulkinen attended Chandler Online Academy and trained at the United States Ice Skating Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado for the past four years. Not only was he able to graduate high school, but he won the silver at the Junior Grand Prix (JPG) Final 2017, was the 2017 JPG Austria Champion, and is the 2018 U.S. National Junior Champion. He also placed 6th in the World Championships this year. Camden will attend the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs this fall and pursue his goal of skating in the Olympics in 2022 in Bejing, China. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
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Chandler Online Academy (2017-2018) |
SENIOR HIGHLIGHT: Molly Woodward was Chandler Online Academy's valedictorian this year. Molly's ability to balance rigorous academic courses along with her intense ballet training at the Brooksher Ballet Academy has been impressive. Molly is off to pursue a career dancing with an elite ballet company. She is not sure which company she will end up with, but has had tryouts across the United States as well as a few international offers. Chandler Online Academy Seniors Highlights
