Meet the Winners of the 2026 K12 Reel Me Video Competition

Every student has a story to tell, and this year, hundreds of K12-powered students stepped up to share theirs.

The 2026 K12 Reel Me Video Competition invited students across the country to share their “My K12 Why” through creative short-form videos. Students opened up about what inspires them, how online school has helped them grow, and the people, passions, and experiences that have shaped their educational journeys.

With more than 200 submissions from students in grades K–12, this year’s competition showcased an incredible range of creativity, confidence, and authenticity. Each video offered a unique perspective, reminding us that every student’s path is different — and every story matters.

Judges selected 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners in four grade bands — K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12 — based on creativity, storytelling, and how effectively students communicated their personal experiences. Community members also voted to determine a People’s Choice winner in every grade band.

Now it’s time to meet the students whose stories stood out.

Grades K–2: Big Smiles, Bright Beginnings

Our youngest storytellers proved that age is no barrier to sharing a meaningful story. Through adorable moments, genuine excitement, and heartfelt reflections, these students showed how a K12-powered education has helped them build confidence, discover new interests, and enjoy learning every day.

🏆 First Place

Monica
1st Grade | Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA)
Prize: $500 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro Creator Kit

🥈 Second Place

Jaylece
1st Grade | Digital Academy of New Mexico (DCA)
Prize: $300 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro LIT HERO Kids Bundle

🥉 Third Place

Virginia
2nd Grade | North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA)
Prize: $200 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro HERO Camera

⭐ People’s Choice Winner

Hugh
1st Grade | Idaho Virtual Academy
Prize: $100 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card

Grades 3–5: Creativity Takes Center Stage

Students in grades 3–5 impressed judges with their imagination, confidence, and storytelling skills. Whether they highlighted favorite classes, supportive teachers, or the flexibility to pursue their passions, these students showed how a personalized education can help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

🏆 First Place

Cora
4th Grade | Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA)
Prize: $500 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro Creator Kit

🥈 Second Place

Eduardo
3rd Grade | Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA)
Prize: $300 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro LIT HERO Kids Bundle

🥉 Third Place & ⭐ People’s Choice Winner

KhRon
5th Grade | Highpoint Virtual Academy of Michigan (HVAM)
Prize: $200 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro HERO Camera

Grades 6–8: Finding Confidence and New Opportunities

Middle school is a time of growth, and this year’s winners shared inspiring stories about discovering confidence, embracing new opportunities, and finding a school community where they could succeed. Their videos reminded us that every student’s journey is unique — and every experience has the power to inspire others.

🏆 First Place

Volodymyr
6th Grade | Friendship Online Public Charter School
Prize: $500 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro Creator Kit

🥈 Second Place

Elioenai
8th Grade | Agora Cyber Charter School
Prize: $300 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro LIT HERO Kids Bundle

🥉 Third Place

Sana
8th Grade | Tennessee Virtual Academy (TNVA)
Prize: $200 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro HERO Camera

⭐ People’s Choice Winner

Gali
7th Grade | Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville (TVAH)
Prize: $100 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card

Grades 9–12: Stories of Purpose, Passion, and Possibility

Our high school winners delivered thoughtful, authentic stories about preparing for the future while staying true to themselves. Their videos highlighted the flexibility, opportunities, and support that have helped them pursue ambitious goals, develop their talents, and build confidence for whatever comes next.

🏆 First Place

Skylar
10th Grade | Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA)
Prize: $500 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro Creator Kit

🥈 Second Place

London
9th Grade | Digital Academy of Texas (DATX)
Prize: $300 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro LIT HERO Kids Bundle

🥉Third Place

Sophia
9th Grade | Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA)
Prize: $200 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card or GoPro HERO Camera

⭐People’s Choice Winner

Natalia
10th Grade | Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA)
Prize: $100 Cash or Tango E-Gift Card

Celebrating Every Story

While today’s spotlight is on our winners, we’re celebrating every student who entered the competition.

Sharing your story takes courage. Whether you spoke about discovering a passion, building confidence, making friends, overcoming obstacles, or finding a learning environment where you could thrive, your voice made this competition special.

Thank you for inspiring us with your creativity, honesty, and enthusiasm. Every video reflected the unique experiences that make the K12 community so remarkable.

Thank You to Our Community

The K12 Reel Me Video Competition wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of families, teachers, Learning Coaches, school staff, mentors, and friends who encourage students every day.

A special thank-you also goes to everyone who watched, shared, and voted for the People’s Choice Awards. Your participation helped recognize student storytellers and celebrate their accomplishments with the entire K12 community.

Together, you’ve helped create a space where student voices are heard and celebrated.

Watch, Celebrate, and Share

Help us celebrate this year’s winners!

• Watch all the winning videos here and see the creativity, confidence, and personality each student brought to their “My K12 Why.”
• Share your favorite stories with family and friends.
• Explore K12 Enrichment Programs to discover even more opportunities to learn, create, and connect.

Congratulations once again to all the winners — and to every student who shared their “K12 Why.” Your stories continue to inspire us.

What’s next?

The K12 Reel Me competition may be over, but there are plenty of ways for students to continue exploring their interests, showcasing their talents, and connecting with the K12 community.

From national competitions and enrichment programs to clubs, esports, art, photography, writing, robotics, and more, K12 offers opportunities throughout the year for students to learn new skills, express themselves, and celebrate their achievements.

We can’t wait to see what students will create next.