Connect with us

Technology

DLAC proudly announces the annual award winners for 2025

Published

2 years ago

on

The Community Advancing Digital Learning announces annual award recipients at the DLAC Ignite 2025 Conference.

DURANGO, Colo., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DLAC is thrilled to announce our 2025 awards program winners, recognizing a few of the incredible leaders, schools, and organizations that are improving student opportunities and outcomes.

Award recipients are:

Individual Excellence in Digital Learning Award – Megan Hanley

Megan Hanley’s work with ASU Prep’s Digital+ microschool programs has made a significant impact on K-12 education by creating a fresh, student-centered model that allows young people to realize new levels of ownership in their learning. Under Megan’s leadership, ASU Prep Digital+ has grown from an experimental 19-student program to serving more than 200 students in just three years, and it’s easy to see why the program is so appealing. It offers a personalized, flexible pathway to college and careers, and students are encouraged to develop practical skills in settings that are both meaningful and relevant to them.

DLAC Research Impact Award – Michael K Barbour

Michael Barbour is Professor of Instructional Design and Director of Faculty Development for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Touro University California. He has been involved with K-12 distance, online, and blended learning for almost three decades as a researcher, evaluator, teacher, course designer, and administrator. Michael’s research focuses on the effective design, delivery, and support of K-12 distance, online, and blended learning; including how regulation, governance, and policy can impact effective learning environments. His background and expertise have resulted in invitations to testify before legislative committees and consult with departments of education around the world.

DLAC Unsung Super Star Award (Individual) – Don Cannon

Don Cannon has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to challenge and improve upon traditional models of education, particularly in the context of online K-12 learning. As a Special Education Paraprofessional at New Code Academy Elementary School, Don has redefined what it means to connect, support, and inspire students in a virtual learning environment. His innovative practices and commitment to creating meaningful connections have transformed the educational experience for students with diverse needs, providing a model for excellence in online education.

DLAC Unsung Super Star Award (Individual) – Dr. Shanaya Anderson

Shanaya Anderson is Director of online learning at Aldine ISD in Texas, where she runs 18 campuses where virtual instruction is being delivered by dozens of teachers. Her work demonstrates the importance of innovative programs that operate within traditional school districts, and the need for people like her who work quietly and behind the scenes to create options and opportunities for students. Shanaya’s work also highlights the ways in which she and her district focus on the needs of students who need it most, supporting students in their progression towards graduation.

Unsung Super Star Award (School/District) – Odyssey Online Learning, South Carolina

There are few challenges harder than transforming a school, but the combination of a new school leader and support from the charter authorizer can make it happen.

When Ashley Owings assumed leadership of Odyssey Online Learning in 2020, the school was facing a bleak future. The school’s report card rating was Unsatisfactory, and the graduation rate was a concern as well. Without significant improvements, the school risked closure. In the years since Mrs. Owings took over, the results have been remarkable. In just three years, Odyssey Online Learning’s graduation rate has more than doubled. What’s even more inspiring is that many of the students who graduated thought they had little chance of earning a high school diploma. These are students who, once lost in the traditional school system, have now walked across the stage and transitioned into their adult lives with a high school diploma in hand.

Spirit of DLAC Award – Katie Allison

As Executive Director at iSucceed Virtual Schools in Idaho, Katie Allison demonstrates the spirit of community in her own school because she leads by showcasing her teachers, staff, and students. She extends that community aspect by linking her online charter school to all charter schools in Idaho in her leadership roles with the Association of Charter School Leaders. Her dedication to fostering growth and connection across the entire K-12 online learning community embodies the very spirit of DLAC.

We thank all the awardees for their contributions to helping students reach their full potential!

About DLAC

DLAC is a nationwide community of forward-thinking K-12 digital educators and leaders committed to student-centered learning through innovative, flexible solutions.

We represent a broad spectrum of ideas and approaches to digital learning. Through purposeful collaboration, research, and advocacy, we are working to create the best learning experiences and outcomes for all students.

Media Contact

Lauren Mass, DLAC, 1 970-880-9979, lauren@evergreenedgroup.com, www.deelac.com 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/dlac-proudly-announces-the-annual-award-winners-for-2025-302411605.html

SOURCE DLAC

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

Published

2 hours ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

3 hours ago

on

October 24, 2026

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending