Rising Above: Jayce’s Journey with Wyoming Virtual Academy 

Meeting new people can be tough at any age. But for Jayce, a third-grader at Wyoming Virtual Academy (WYVA), connecting with others has become especially meaningful. Jayce, who loves Roblox, sports, and sloths, is navigating online learning while facing a formidable challenge: osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. 

Diagnosed in March 2024, Jayce has undergone rotationplasty and chemotherapy. These treatments made attending traditional school incredibly difficult, so his family explored homeschooling options. His local public school recommended WYVA, a Wyoming online public school, highlighting its flexibility and the opportunity to connect with students across the state. This sense of community has been invaluable, helping Jayce stay involved with his peers and his education during his treatment journey. His mom, Gina, shares, “It helped him stay on track, keep his brain going, and look forward to seeing classmates,” even from afar, thanks to the online format. 

The WYVA community has embraced Jayce in extraordinary ways. Inspired by WYVA’s motto and mascot, the phoenix—a symbol of rising above challenges—Jayce’s third-grade class, led by his compassionate teacher Andrea Williams, designed a special logo for him. The logo features a phoenix rising, embodying the word “RISE,” which the class chose to represent Jayce’s spirit: Resilient, Invincible, Strong, and Encouraging. They even created t-shirts with the logo and organized a fundraiser to support Jayce and his family. This outpouring of love and generosity speaks volumes about the supportive and close-knit nature of WYVA online school community.

WYVA’s adaptable online format has been essential to Jayce’s education in Wyoming. Gina explains that even amidst the disruptions of treatment, WYVA worked with them to keep Jayce on track. “He had treatment, so there was schoolwork he had to make up and some he didn’t. WYVA was very flexible,” she says. Despite missing significant school time, Jayce has kept pace with his classmates, thanks to the dedicated support and personalized attention from his teachers. 

Gina praises the quality of education Jayce receives at WYVA, emphasizing his teachers’ dedication. “If he has questions, his teacher is always willing to connect—text, call, email, or video chat—to help us or work with him after hours.” This level of individualized support has been crucial for Jayce’s continued learning. 

When asked what he’d tell other students considering WYVA, Jayce’s words are powerful: “There’s lots of people you can connect with… they can help you, and you’ll meet new people. It won’t be easy, but it’s the only way to help your brain grow and learn.” He’s even made a new friend, Holden, bonding over their shared love of hunting. 

Jayce’s story embodies resilience, the importance of community, and the power of online education. It shows that learning can flourish even amidst adversity, and that connection, support, and understanding can make a world of difference. 

Learn more about how Wyoming Virtual Academy can support your child’s unique learning journey. Visit us here to explore our programs and discover the benefits of online education. You can also follow Jayce’s journey and see more photos on his Facebook page. 

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