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Alumni Spotlight: Flexibility, Farming, and Forever Friends

Stories & Spotlights
A group of smiling people wearing Santa hats stand in a brightly lit room holding a sign reading "2023 OHVA Toy Drive 9,091 TOYS" beside a festive Christmas tree adorned with pink and blue decorations.

Meet Tyler Slaven, a 2019 Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) Graduate

Tyler Slaven credits the flexibility of OHVA for shaping his incredible journey. Growing up on a farm with its unpredictable demands, flexibility was essential. OHVA provided just that, allowing him to take online college classes and graduate high school with an Associate Degree in hand.

photo of OHVA alumn Tyler Slaven

From Graduation to the USDA

After high school, Tyler continued his education, earning a Bachelor of Agribusiness Management in 2021. He quickly put his skills to work, securing a position with the United States Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency. At just 22, his career has rapidly advanced, and he now serves as a County Executive Director, supervising operations in three counties. He uses the skills and experiences gained from his education every day to excel in this role.

Lifelong Connections

One of Tyler’s favorite aspects of OHVA is the connections it fosters. He made lifelong friendships and even found his forever partner, marrying his high school sweetheart, Grace, in 2022—they were classmates at OHVA! Together, they spend their spare time

helping on the family farm, exploring National Parks, and spending quality time with family and friends. Tyler extends a heartfelt thank you to teachers Julie Keaton, Megan Daley, Michael Kobylski, and Mary Peterson for being true role models and friends.

Giving Back

While a student, Tyler was heavily involved in organizations like Student Council and National Honor Society, prioritizing community service. In a wonderful display of giving back, he and his family started an annual toy drive for Nationwide Children’s Hospital during his high school years. They continue to partner with OHVA each year to help collect toys for children spending the holidays in the hospital. The annual toy drive collection is starting soon for the 2025 holiday season.

photo of OHVA students and/or alumni participating in a toy drive

A Message to Current Students

“Never give up on your dreams. When it gets hard, don’t give up. Continue to push through difficult times and learn as much as you can from each obstacle that you overcome.”

Participating in the Toy Drive

Please drop off new toys at the locations below, or donate funds to purchase toys for the 2025 holiday Toy Drive!

Ashland:

  • Buehler’s Fresh Foods Ashland – 1055 Sugarbush Dr, Ashland, OH 44805
  • Shearer Creations & Boutique -106 E Main St, Ashland, OH 44805

Marysville:

  • Rural King – 1000 N Main St, Marysville, OH 43040

Maumee:

  • Ohio Virtual Academy – 1690 Woodlands Dr STE 100, Maumee, OH 43537

Sidney:

  • Bob’s Cycle Repair – 131 Lester Ave, Sidney, OH 45365

Wooster:

  • Cookie Snob – 201 E Liberty St Suite101, Wooster, OH 44691

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