Taking the Stage: Abigail Advances to Talent Show Finals at Virginia Virtual Academy

For Abigail, a 10th-grade student at Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA), stepping outside her comfort zone has become part of her approach to learning and life. This year, that mindset led her to an exciting opportunity: becoming a finalist in a K–12 Talent Showdown.

Abigail, who lives in Northern Virginia, has been a student at VAVA for six years. After exploring different schooling options during the early days of the pandemic, her family decided to give virtual learning a try.

“We saw VAVA and thought, ‘What do we have to lose?’” Abigail said. “Once I started, I really loved it.”

When the talent competition opportunity appeared, she decided to take a leap.

“I told myself at the start of the year that if there’s an opportunity, I’m going to take it,” she said. “I like to dance, so I thought, why not try the dance category?”

That decision paid off. After submitting an audition video, advancing through the semifinal round, and impressing judges along the way, Abigail is now preparing to perform in the finals this June.

Dancing Toward the Finals

The journey to the final stage has required creativity and persistence. Abigail is a self-taught dancer who choreographs her own routines and navigates the challenge of finding music she can legally use for her dance.

“It was really hard to find a copyright-free song that had a good beat,” Abigail explained. “But I finally found one that works, and I’m excited to perform it in the finals.”

“I think it’s going to be really fun,” she said. “Even just being a finalist has already been an amazing experience.”

A Learning Environment That Supports Big Goals

For Abigail’s mom, one of the biggest benefits of Virginia Virtual Academy has been the support it provides for students to grow both academically and personally.

“It’s been amazing,” her mom said. “It allows her to pursue all the things she’s passionate about.”

And Abigail certainly stays busy. She volunteers at a local historic site, helps give tours, works with archival materials, and assists with student field trips. Her love for history – her favorite subject – has even inspired her future goals.

“I want to work in a museum or somewhere in the historical field,” Abigail said. “I really love learning about history and helping others experience it.”

Balancing Passions and Purpose

Beyond dancing and volunteering, Abigail is also working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. Her project focuses on raising awareness about period education and providing resources to young people who may not have access to accurate information.

“I realized that a lot of people don’t talk about these topics enough,” Abigail said. “I wanted to create resources and workshops to help educate others.”

Her mother says the online school environment makes it possible for Abigail to balance academics with her many interests.

“She starts her schoolwork early in the morning and finishes in time to volunteer, work on her projects, and pursue other opportunities,” her mom explained. “VAVA gives her the freedom to grow in so many different ways.”

Looking Ahead

As June approaches, Abigail is focusing on preparing for her final performance – and enjoying the experience along the way.

“I’m excited,” she said. “No matter what happens, it’s been really fun to try something new.”

With her passion for learning, dedication to community service, and willingness to take chances, Abigail is already proving that sometimes the biggest opportunities begin with simply saying yes.

See Abigail and the other Talent Showdown finalists perform on June 8. Public voting will officially open at Noon 12 PM (ET) on June 8 and will close 15 minutes after the final performance has concluded.

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