Berrien Springs Virtual Academy
Senior Spotlight Class of 2020
From Mrs. Stout
You know better than most how these last weeks likely would have looked: me tearing my hair out about progress on the Senior Project, imploring each one of you to work more, asking all of us to push through to the finish line. Even these stresses I miss now, but not nearly so much as I will miss the final product, Senior Presentation Day, where everything finally comes together and we get to share the fruits of your talent and hard work.
I am sorry that we have lost this chance to mark this milestone, and sorry that you will not walk through the hallways in your cap and gown in a parade for all of the underclassman as you accept applause; this is yet one more milestone at the end of your high school career lost to the pandemic. Let us remain hopeful that we can celebrate in June!
Despite the importance of marking an occasion, however, in the end, a milestone is just what the word implies -- a marker along a longer journey -- and it is that journey itself that is paramount. The people that I have seen you already become, and that you are yet to be: this is what fills me with pride and joy and hope, and no amount of social distancing can diminish that.
Whether or not the Virtual Academy played a substantial role, I know that your continuing journey will be a great one. I have cherished our work together and hope that we will have occasions to cross paths again in the future.
From the entire Virtual Academy Staff, we wish you all the very best -
Rachel Stout
Presenting the Virtual Academy Class of 2020!
August Pinkowski
I have been at the virtual Academy for five years.
My favorite class at the Virtual Academy is science because of the interactive aspects.
My favorite memory is meeting my best friend Cemmi Rain.
This summer, I plan to join the US Army and I will be going in as a 25Q or a multi-channel system operator maintainer.
My advice to underclassman is to find a good way to study and stick with the program.
Elena Isabelle Loucks
I have been a student at Virtual Academy for five years.
My favorite class that I have taken was the CTE Roofing and Framing class in my junior year.
My favorite high school memory was going to the job fair last year. It made me feel good to represent my school.
I plan to attend Southwest Michigan College and major in the green trades program.
My advice is to never give up. Even if school is hard and not easy for you, keep trying and it does get easier with practice.
Joshua Sitarz
My favorite High School classes were P.L.T.W engineering and automotive technology at Buchanan.
My favorite High School memories are going to the Chicago auto show with my automotive class and the numerous pranks I pulled on Mr. Terry.
This Fall, I plan on attending Lake Michigan College to pursue a degree in business marketing.
The advice I would give to underclassmen is, cherish the time you have. Don't let opportunities get away from you. Take every opportunity you can get. You don't know the next time you will walk these halls, see these people in high school, go to a football game, or even go to prom.
Make the most out of it.
Anna Lechleitner
My name is Anna Lechleitner and I have attended the Berrien Springs Virtual Academy for five years.
My favorite class that I took was Biomedical Science with Mr. Terry.
My favorite highschool memory was the weekends where I didn’t have to do any school.
My plan for fall is to attend Southwestern Michigan College and major in Nursing.
The advice I would give to the underclassmen is: Never get behind in your school work, always ask the teachers for help, and ALWAYS listen to Mrs. Stout because she’s got great advice.
Emmanuel Davis
My name is Emmanuel Davis and I have been a Virtual Academy student for five years.
My favorite class taken at the high school would be Careers&Finance.
My favorite memory is going to one of the homecoming parties.
My plans are that I will be going to Ohio Technical College for Automotive Technology.
My biggest advice would be: do not procrastinate if you have something to finish do it, and then feel free to waste time.