Angela Hurst’s daughter Breanna was failing class, and for years she pleaded with her brick-and-mortar public school to move her daughter into a smaller classroom environment.

In addition to being on the Autism spectrum, Breanna also has ADHD, EOE and Sensory Disorder. But the school said she didn’t qualify for the services required for a classroom change.

When Breanna became a victim of bullying Angela knew she had to find another learning environment for her daughter.

“After that my mind started turning. What can I do to help my child?” says Angela.

That’s when the Hurst family found Alabama Virtual Academy (ALVA). Once enrolled, the school implemented an IEP for Breanna and helped her achieve her goals.

“She graduated as the senior-class president with a 4.0 GPA,” says Angela. “I am very proud of all she has accomplished and overcome.”

Angela says she’ll never forget the smile on her daughter’s face when she was chosen to be class president.

“She was over the moon excited. She never thought she would be chosen.”

Breanna says it’s her most memorable moment at ALVA too, and that she’s thankful for the guidance from her special education teacher Mrs. Fuller, who helped her achieve and overcome so much. Her advice for students is to “pay close attention to how teachers react to being asked for help, having teachers who are eager to help is important.”

Angela has been advocating with PSO for six years. She uses her story to tell other parents that nothing is impossible when it comes to our children’s education and future.

“Don’t be afraid to be our children's voices so they can get a good and safe education… and do not be afraid to reach out and ask others for help.”

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