VLACS Awards $1,500 Grants to 14 Exeter Region Seniors

Virtual Learning Academy Charter School awarded 14 graduating seniors the Norma McGarr Award, which provides up to $1,500 each to cover equipment, certifications, and professional development costs. Four recipients plan careers in aerospace welding, information technology, photography, and game design.

The award honors former VLACS instructor Norma McGarr and recognizes students who demonstrate optimism, determination, and a commitment to learning. Recipients are Jaede Belanger, Judson Cable, Justin DeCarolis, Chloe Fredriksen, Holden Fuster, Keagan Hughes, Leanna Hughes, Norah King, Addison Kinne, Ava Meloni, Jasper Peacock, Vaibhav Rastogi, Hannah Steele, and Zachary Thornton.

Jaede Belanger will attend Manchester Community College for an associate degree in welding technology and plans to use the award to buy tools and protective equipment for her apprenticeship in aerospace welding. "It's saving me a lot of money at the start so I don't go into debt later on," Belanger said.

Judson Cable will use the funds to complete the CompTIA A+ Core 2 course, pay for certification tests, and obtain his professional certificate for entry-level IT positions. He took the CompTIA A+ Core 1 course during his senior year. "VLACS has been such a great option for me since it allows me to work at my own pace," Cable said.

Hannah Steele built a photography business through courses at VLACS and will use the award to upgrade to a professional camera as she pursues portrait, wedding, and lifestyle photography. "My business would not be as successful without the skills I learned through the photography courses provided by VLACS," Steele said.

Keagan Hughes completed courses in gaming history, cloud technologies, animation, and IT principles. Hughes will use the funds to purchase equipment while working toward a game design certification and a bachelor's degree in the field.