Moncks Corner senior finds success through virtual school, national leadership program

When health challenges made traditional school unsafe, Elizabeth Gilmore refused to let her education or ambitions fall behind. Instead, the Moncks Corner senior turned to virtual learning – a decision that not only kept her on track academically but opened the door to national leadership opportunities.

Gilmore, 18, is a senior at Heron Virtual Academy and the current president of the school’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program – the only fully virtual school in the nation participating in the highly regarded workforce-readiness initiative. JAG supports students who face significant obstacles on their path to graduation and careers. Nationally, the average JAG student confronts 11 barriers, from poverty to health concerns.

For Gilmore, chronic asthma, severe pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic and bullying made returning to a brick-and-mortar school unsafe. Virtual education, she said, gave her the flexibility to keep up with medical care while staying academically strong. She is now an A/B honor roll student.

“Virtual school has given me more resources and helped me flourish,” she said. “It’s helped me grow in leadership just as much as in-person school would.”

This fall, Gilmore represented South Carolina in Washington, D.C., attending the National Student Leadership Academy. There, she joined peers from across the country for workshops on communication, teamwork and public service. She also met national leaders, including Congressman Jim Clyburn and Sen. Tim Scott.

“It was a truly fun experience,” she said. “I learned so much about leadership and friendship. I really flourished when I was up there.”

Gilmore has already been accepted to four colleges. Her top choice is Charleston Southern University, where she plans to major in political science and minor in American history. Her long-term goal: a leadership career in the federal government.

JAG, she said, played a major role in shaping that path.

“It opened up my leadership skills, my abilities and my confidence,” Gilmore said. “It helped me learn what to expect if I work in government one day.”

Gilmore has served in JAG leadership for three years and became president this school year. She credits her teachers, family, friends and JAG officers for helping her grow.

“I have so much gratitude for everyone who has supported me,” she said.

Her story comes as School Choice Week – a national celebration of educational options, including virtual learning – begins Jan. 26. For Gilmore, virtual school wasn’t a fallback. It was the opportunity she needed to succeed.