From Sharon Johnstone, director of Spokane Virtual Learning:

"Being in Olympia with SVL student, Amanda Hughes, reminded me of the critical need for learning options. Amanda's beautifully delivered speech informed the legislators of the reasons SVL works for her as a blind student such as less stress in navigating the school halls, not having to carry around heavy braille books (she lifted a braille book to make her point), not having to wait for teachers to have class assignments brailled. Her most important point, though, is that the virtual environment, which requires student ownership of learning, "is an excellent way to help students prepare for college." Amanda stated that she liked "the fact that my online classes are faster when it comes to giving me feedback about my work than the majority of my school-based classes." Her statement that SVL "puts me on an equal level with my peers," gave me food for thought."

	Amanda chatting with Representative Tim Ormsby
	Amanda and Sharon with Representative Don Barlow (former SPS board member)