NAPLES, Fla. (October 28, 2026) – Optima Academy Online (OAO) Middle School Principal Kortni Spaulding has received the 2026 Unsung Super Star Award from DLAC, a national recognition honoring educators whose dedication and innovation make a meaningful impact in digital learning. Spaulding was recognized during DLAC Ignite, held October 19–21 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Spaulding earned the recognition for her commitment to student success and strengthening connections within OAO’s virtual school community. Her accomplishments include helping facilitate more than 450 virtual reality counseling sessions, growing OAO’s Parent Teacher Coalition, and establishing relationships with more than 75 community partners to expand student and family resources.
“Kortni has an extraordinary ability to make every student and family feel seen, supported, and connected,” said Dr. Kim Abel, Head of School at Optima Academy Online. “Her leadership demonstrates that a virtual school can offer more than academic excellence. It can foster meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community. We are incredibly proud to see her dedication recognized nationally.”
In addition to her work strengthening student and family engagement, Spaulding developed an innovative “Testing Roadshow” to support students during academic assessments and has used student performance data to guide targeted academic interventions. Her efforts have helped create a more personalized and supportive learning environment for OAO students.
“Working with our students and families is such a privilege, and I’m grateful to be part of a school that encourages us to think differently about how we support them,” said Spaulding. “Technology creates incredible opportunities, but it’s the relationships we build that truly make a difference. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire OAO community.”
The DLAC Unsung Super Star Award recognizes individuals whose contributions often take place behind the scenes but have a lasting impact on their school communities. Spaulding’s recognition reflects OAO’s commitment to pairing innovative educational technology with dedicated educators and meaningful student support.
About Optima Academy Online
Optima Academy Online (OAO) is a fully virtual, Cognia-accredited K–12 school offering live, teacher-led and self-guided, on-demand learning pathways. Rooted in a classical education, OAO combines rigorous academics, dedicated educators, personalized student support, and innovative technologies, including virtual reality, to create meaningful learning experiences. With an emphasis on academic excellence, student growth, and community, OAO provides families with a flexible approach to education without sacrificing connection. For more information, visit optimaacademy.online.
