Natalie Sirna
Jun 29, 2026
Cascade Virtual Academy Student Earns National Recognition Through Online Learning Flexibility
When Cascade Virtual Academy student Xander Bickford traveled from Klamath Falls, Oregon, to the Washington, D.C., area to compete as one of just five finalists in the K12 National Cook-Off, his story became about much more than pizza.
The inspiring student profile was featured by NBC affiliate KOBI-TV, showcasing how online education empowered Xander to pursue multiple passions—including competitive cooking, martial arts, and academics—without having to choose between them.
Media Placement
Outlet: KOBI-TV NBC5
Reporter: KOBI News Team
Type: Online News Coverage
Date: June 2026
This story resonated with the media because it combined student achievement, education innovation, and a compelling human-interest narrative—all supported by a timely national competition.
One of only five students nationwide selected to compete in the K12 National Cook-Off
Traveled to the Washington, D.C., area to showcase an original pizza recipe featuring ingredients grown in his own backyard
Demonstrated how flexible online learning allows students to pursue multiple extracurricular passions while maintaining academic success
A relatable story highlighting perseverance, creativity, and the benefits of personalized education
By focusing on Xander's accomplishments while connecting them to the broader conversation around educational choice and student success, the story offered strong appeal for local audiences.
Our PR Strategy
Red Energy Public Relations positioned this story as more than a student competition. The strategy focused on:
1. Leading with an Extraordinary Student
Rather than simply promoting the competition, we showcased Xander's unique combination of culinary talent, martial arts, and academic success to create a memorable human-interest story.
2. Connecting Individual Success to a Broader Education Trend
We highlighted how Cascade Virtual Academy's flexible learning model enabled students like Xander to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, giving the story relevance beyond one student's achievement.
3. Leveraging a National News Hook
A national cooking competition provided timely news value while giving local media a hometown success story their audiences could celebrate.
4. Emphasizing Authentic Storytelling
By focusing on Xander's personal journey, passions, and accomplishments, the story felt genuine and inspiring rather than promotional, making it an ideal fit for local television coverage.
This placement helped position Cascade Virtual Academy as:
A school that empowers students to pursue their individual passions
A leader in flexible, student-centered online education
A learning community where academic success and real-world experiences go hand in hand
The coverage also reinforced the growing value of personalized learning by demonstrating how online education can help students develop talents that extend far beyond the classroom.
As more families seek educational options that support each child's unique interests and goals, stories like Xander's illustrate the opportunities flexible learning environments can create.
This coverage demonstrates how strategic media relations can:
Showcase authentic student success stories
Build awareness of innovative educational opportunities
Position schools as leaders in student-centered learning
Looking to secure media coverage like this for your organization?
Contact Red Energy Public Relations to build a strategic media relations campaign that drives visibility, credibility, and measurable results.