Ohio Virtual Academy Veterans Day Spotlight: Faculty Who Continue to Serve Through Education 

Service takes on many forms, and for several Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) educators, the commitment to helping others did not end with their military service. 

This Veterans Day, OHVA will recognize faculty and staff members who are veterans during a virtual all-staff professional development event on Friday, November 13, honoring those whose military service continues to shape their work with students across Ohio. 

Bringing a Spirit of Service to the Classroom 

Veterans often carry lessons from military service into other aspects of their lives, and OHVA is proud to have educators whose experiences have helped shape the way they support students. 

For Career and Technical Education teacher Dwight Shaw, service has been a guiding force throughout his career. Shaw served 24 years in the Ohio Army National Guard, including deployments supporting Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. After returning from Iraq and retiring from the military, he realized he wanted to continue contributing in a meaningful way. 

“I needed to be a part of something bigger, something that helped make a better world,” Shaw said. That conviction led him back to education and ultimately to OHVA, where he has spent the past 14 years helping prepare students for future careers. 

Today, he brings a deep respect for young people to his classroom, noting that teenagers are often capable of more than they realize. 

Learning, Leading, and Encouraging Students

Several OHVA educators credit military service with helping them develop confidence, discipline, and leadership skills that continue to benefit students today. 

Middle school history teacher Becca Wolff joined the 180^th Fighter Wing while attending college and later deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her experiences helped strengthen her determination and self-confidence, qualities she now draws upon as an educator.  

As a history teacher, she is also able to connect classroom lessons to firsthand experiences from her time serving overseas. 

High School Physical Education and Health teacher Andrea Brim served with the 180th Fighter Wing in the Ohio Air National Guard, where she worked in fuels management supporting F-16 operations. She says the military reinforced the importance of fitness, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance, values she now shares with students every day. 

“The military taught me to lead by example, remain accountable, adapt to changing circumstances, work as part of a team, and approach challenges with a positive attitude,” Brim said. 

Supporting Students Through Diverse Experiences 

Veteran educators at OHVA also bring unique perspectives that help them connect with students from a variety of backgrounds.

High School Counselor Rachel Schneider served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, working in network security. The discipline, technical skills, and adaptability she developed during her service helped prepare her for a successful career supporting students in an online learning environment. 

For educator Diana Ritterbeck, six years in the Army Reserve provided opportunities to work alongside people from different backgrounds while helping prepare troops for deployment. Those experiences broadened her perspective and continue to influence how she supports OHVA students and families. 

Sixth grade history teacher Donna Bogard served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force and an additional 13 years in the Air Force Reserve, ultimately attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. Having lived across the United States and overseas as both a service member and military family member, she credits those experiences with helping her develop cultural awareness, resilience, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. 

Celebrating Veterans Day 

This Veterans Day, OHVA is grateful for the sacrifices and service of veterans across the country, including the educators and staff members who have chosen to continue serving others through public education. 

Their stories reflect a shared commitment to helping students grow, overcome challenges, and prepare for the future.  

To learn more about Ohio Virtual Academy and enrollment opportunities, visit ohva.k12.com. 

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