Premier Events Sponsored by The Foundation for FLVS

This fall, The Foundation for Florida Virtual School (The Foundation), the philanthropic organization of FLVS, “Unmasked the Future of Education” by hosting two premier events: the third annual Opening Doors to the World Awards Celebration and the inaugural users conference, Momentum: FLVS World Symposium. Both of these events shined a spotlight on education leaders who are helping to shape the future of online learning in the United States.

Momentum: FLVS World Symposium, presented by Mawi Learning, was a three-day users conference that provided more than 2,000 industry professionals the opportunity to network and collaborate with education experts, exhibitors, and innovators from all over the country. Conference keynotes featured the best of the best with Mawi Asgedom of Mawi Learning, Ian Jukes of 21st Century Project, and Dan Heath, New York Times Best Selling author.

In addition to providing high-caliber keynotes, innovative breakout sessions, and an expanded exhibit hall, the over-arching goal that has always been a primary focus of The Foundation was to provide professional development for our teachers.  Expanding the conference to a national audience helped increase our exposure and showcase the Florida Virtual School brand as an established leader in developing and providing virtual Kindergarten-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the United States, and the world.

Held the same week as Momentum, the annual Opening Doors to the World Awards Celebration is a fundraising event for The Foundation that honors the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of champions, pioneers, and distinguished individuals who have been instrumental in paving the way for innovative education and “opening doors” to provide students with a high quality education.  This year’s event was co-chaired by Dr. Ann McGee, president of Seminole State College, and former State Representative Dick Batchelor of DBMG.

Receiving the legacy award for paving the way for virtual education was Julie Young, former president and CEO for Florida Virtual School. The Bridging the Gap Award went to telecommunications leader Century Link; John Watson, founder and CEO of Evergreen Education Group received the Transforming Education award; and Noah Schnacky, FLVS Full Time student received the Spirit Award. The event was co-emceed by FLVS students Zach Marks, founder of Grom Social, a social networking platform for kids, and singer/actor sensation Noah Schnacky of the mobile series “Hitstreak.”

The monumental success of these two events could not have been accomplished without the tireless efforts of all our volunteers and staff, as well as the continued support from donors and sponsors. With the success of both events, The Foundation will be able to pioneer new programs and initiatives that will continue to support Florida Virtual School and help carry out the mission of delivering a high quality, technology-based education that provides the skills and knowledge students need for success.

Thank you to all who made these events a banner achievement for The Foundation for Florida Virtual School. We look forward to seeing you next year at the 2015 Momentum: FLVS World Symposium and at the Opening Doors to the World Awards Celebration!

Star Kraschinsky
Foundation President

Andy Ross
Board of Directors Chairman