Ice skating has been around for thousands of years. It has overcome diversity, politics, and countless injuries. Yet there still is a common product since the beginning of it all; passion. Aurora Abraham is the perfect example. Aurora is always on the go and constantly training. Forest Trail Academy has allowed her to be able to skate on higher levels. Maybe even the greatest luxury of FTA is having the aid of taking her school with her - no matter where she is. Aurora and her family were kind enough to answer a few questions about FTA and Aurora.

1. The Talk of the Trails
Forest Trail Academy's one and only student newspaper!
FIRST EDITION 1
JULY 2012

2. y:
Student Spotlight: 2
B c ian o
Bri a n na Luc
Aurora Abraham
Ice skating has been around for thousands of years. It has overcome diversity, politics, and countless injuries. Yet there
still is a common product since the beginning of it all; passion. Aurora Abraham is the perfect example. Aurora is always
on the go and constantly training. Forest Trail Academy has allowed her to be able to skate on higher levels. Maybe even
the greatest luxury of FTA is having the aid of taking her school with her - no matter where she is. Aurora and her family
were kind enough to answer a few questions about FTA and Aurora.
How old were you when you started ice skating?
Aurora- I was 3 years old when I started figure skating.
What pre-competition rituals do you have?
Aurora- My pre-competition rituals consist of eating steak and mash potatoes and getting to bed early.
What is your favorite thing about competing?
Aurora- My favorite thing about competing is when the music starts because it makes me feel confident.
Do you have good luck skates or outfits?
Aurora- No, I do not have any good luck things. I just go out and skate as best as I can.
In your opinion - What is the greatest challenge of ice skating?
Aurora- Currently, my greatest challenge is trying to land my double axel.
If you could be any ice skater, past or present –who would you choose to be?
Aurora- If I could be a famous ice skater, I would want to be Sasha Cohen or Yuna Kim.
Being enrolled in Forest Trail Academy is wonderful, what is your favorite thing about the school?
Aurora- My favorite thing about Forest Trail Academy is doing the science labs.
What is your best subject?
Aurora- My best subject in Forest Trail Academy is Math.
How do you fit school into your busy schedule?
Aurora- I do my school on the weekends and weekday mornings and evenings. It is hard to do school on the weekend because I like to relax on the
weekends but, it’s worth it.

3. Aurora Abraham 3
Continued
Mr. and Mrs. Abraham-
Did you always know Aurora would be an ice skater?
Cheri (Aurora's mom) – I did not know she would be an ice skater, but I did know she would be involved in athletics. As a 3-5 year old, Aurora
participated in soccer, ballet, gymnastics and ice skating. She loved the cold and hated to sweat... and that is how ice skating began and
continued.
Dennis (Aurora’s father) – No.
What made you choose FTA?
Cheri - I chose this school because of the ability to truly have a "virtual" school, with as much on line "School" as possible. This has proven to be
very beneficial for Aurora, and has allowed her to pursue figure skating at a higher level.
Dennis - It fit our needs for virtual.
Does Aurora have a specific school schedule that she has to stick to?
Cheri - Yes and no! I try to have a specific schedule for the week, goals, but we do have to make adjustments based upon the assignment
"needs" and more so during the “competition” weeks. Forest Trail Academy affords us the ability to work with Aurora on school at unscheduled
times, and allows us to take her school with us where ever we go!
Dennis – Her mother handles most of her scheduling!
Did Aurora get into ice skating independently, or were either one of you involved in skating?
Cheri - I had always loved to see figure skating, and I figure skated for 1 year (for the first time) when in college. Then, when Aurora was 3, I
took her to the "Learn to Skate” program, at the ice rink in our area and that was how figure skating started!
Dennis – Her mom put her on the ice when she was 3 and she hasn’t stopped since. I skated a little at public rinks in Michigan – like every
other kid. I did skate at public skating sessions in Rockledge with Aurora until I couldn’t keep up with her.
Do you get nervous watching Aurora skate?
Cheri - I would have to say "a little bit," as she has grown and now skates at a higher level. When I watch Aurora skate in competitions, I think
positive and really focus on her in my own "internal & mental" way.
Dennis – Sometimes it’s hard for me to watch at competitions as she goes into a really tough jump.
As you can see, ice skating takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Maybe even someday we
will say that we have our own Sasha Cohen or Yuna Kim amongst us. Aurora Abraham is on the
fast track for success and Forest Trail Academy will be with her every step of the way!

4. 4
Student Spotlight
By: Brianna Lucciano
When students look at high school, most want a place that will enrich their lives, expand their knowledge, and help at succeeding their life
goals. Forest Trail Academy has exceeded all of the above.
Since I first started with Forest Trail Academy, my capacity of knowledge has gone past what I personally thought I was capable of. I am in the
charter group of the National Honor Society at Forest Trail Academy and current NHS President. I am also involved in Cooking Club, Beauty
Club, and I am Editor of the Newspaper. I chose Forest Trail Academy because I was in another online school and it was a really strange
program. Their program may be suited for someone else but not me. Forest Trail Academy was an obvious choice. The reviews, ratings, and
certifications FTA had exceeded every other on-line program. My favorite thing about Forest Trail Academy is without a doubt our teachers.
The teachers at FTA don't 'sugar-coat' your work; if they find a problem they tell you and if they think you did a good job they express their
feelings of your work and style. The teachers are also so nice. They truly care how the lessons relay to the student and also care for the hard
work that students put into assignments. FTA has prepared me for college and my career path by giving me opportunities including AP classes,
NHS, and different activities or clubs that FTA has. My experience with FTA has been nothing but stellar. FTA is a wonderful, enriching, and
challenging school. Students who are enrolled at FTA are truly lucky to be in such an amazing place. U.
By: Michele
My name is Michele and I'm a Senior in high school at
Forest Trail Academy. Many
By: Zach R.
high schools these days aren't as fully credited and
My name is Zachary (Zach) R. and I am a senior at Forest Trail Academy. I attended great as Forest Trail. I chose Forest
Forest Trail Academy (FTA)because I wasn't doing too well in public school and FTA Trail because of the reviews it had, and it seemed to be
looked promising. Knowing that this school cares about mine and many other a great school. FTA is definitely
students education is a great thing to know, and being able to have the teacher challenging, and being able to have teachers on hand is
support available at almost any hour I need them. They are so flexible, due to me amazing. At the moment, I am in
having a job and when I need help, they are willing to work around my work and the following clubs: NHS, Beauty Club, Newspaper Club
family time. and Cooking Club. NHS is such an
Currently, I am only involved in Newspaper Club because I'm so busy with work and amazing group. The people involved are such great
school, but I do enjoy it! FTA has prepared me mentally and physically for college people and I couldn't be happier
and later for my career. The study skills that I have learned, and the knowledge I that I was accepted to be in it :).
have gained from these courses. My experience with FTA is being able to work at my FTA has prepared me for my future for college more
own pace, and the inspiration I have received by doing home-school. Also, I am able than I expected. I didn't know I was
to go on chat and have one-on-one time with the teachers and you know they care this capable of doing this kind of work until I came to
about how you are doing, and of course meeting new students! Being able to this school. College seems like it
associate with people your age and your level is a bonus :) will be easier now because I know what I'm doing. FTA
Thanks FTA for your time and being a great school! has definitely been a blessing. Continued on page 5.

5. Con. from page 4. I feel as though my life has changed 5
coming to FTA; I truly can see myself doing the career
that I want. Being able to have the privilege of getting to Clubs and Organizations
know each and every one of the teachers and multiple
students is such an enriching experience. Seeing as I'm a
senior - it is my last year at FTA, it's so sad! I was By: Michele U. and Brianna L.
enrolled at FTA my sophomore through senior year (10 th- Current National Honor Society members (2012)
12th grade). I was able to do two grades in one year here
and I've learned much more about my school that I The National Honor Society (NHS) is a group of highly regarded young
didn't think I would ever know about. From my own adults who have aspirations and knowledge far beyond their years. Forest
personal experience I would recommend FTA as the best Trail Academy’s NHS group is nothing less than stellar.
online high school I've ever been to. Lastly, I appreciate
all the teachers and admins hard work and effort they In the short time the Forest Trail Academy National Honor Society has had
have put into making this school a better way of learning to create projects and set forth goals, they have already succeeded in
education for each student. doing great things. So far the NHS has created Christmas cards for
recovering soldiers at a VA hospital, and sponsored an Ethiopian child
As many of you may know our named Beza. Also, Michele’s family, owns a clinic in the Philippines, the
NHS group is putting packages together for the clinic.
beloved teacher Ms. Diane
Speaking on behalf of the FTA NHS, our group is a place where students are
Ishmael has been diagnosed with a able to tell their feelings and express how they want to help their
brain and spinal tumor. If you community and others in need. Our NHS is a group of creative, bright,
comical, and talented students. The students are unselfish; we want what
haven't already please go to this is best for everyone, not just ourselves. We truly believe that we can make
an impact on the world; whether small or large. Our NHS is focused on
website helping others who need someone to support them, simply saying “I am
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dianeishmael here for you.”, and that is what this world needs so badly. Just the little
things that people do really have an impact on people’s life. Smiling at
and wish her well. somebody or even a card saying that you care can really change a person’s
whole day.
From the Newspaper and the The Forest Trail Academy National Honor Society hopes to leave the
impression on people that we really do act from our hearts and appreciate
entire FTA body we wish you love others around the world and what they have done for our future. We hope
that we can be a strong, unique start for the future Forest Trail Academy
and all the best Ms. Ishmael! NHS students to come.

6. Teacher Feature
6
By: Brianna Lucciano.
Mrs. H
Most teachers write lessons, assignments, and tests, grade the work and then move on. Mrs. Hillesheim, better known to the student body as Mrs. H., goes
beyond that. She not only teaches she makes certain her students understand their work. She also gives her opinion on our work, and sends a weekly
message; and most importantly, she makes every one of her students feel as though they are her favorite. When I asked students what words came to mind
when they thought of Mrs. H the words included kind, caring, unique, patient, and funny. Mrs. H is an amazing teacher, not only am I lucky to have her as a
teacher, but our whole student body is lucky enough to have her in our school.
Mrs. H was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer my questions about her life and FTA.
What made you want to become a teacher?
I originally wanted to be a teacher because I love chemistry. I also had a young chemistry teacher in high school that I think really set me on my path to
getting my degree in chemistry. After about a year of teaching I realized that I really love high school students. I love seeing them trying to decide what kind
of an adult they're going to be.
How long have you been a teacher?
This is my 6th year teaching, though I took a year off before teaching at FTA.
I know that you have taught in a traditional school, what made you want to teach in an online school?
When my husband got a new job I was finally able to stay home with our daughter, which had been the plan since we'd gotten married. However, after just a
year I realized I really missed my work. Teaching for FTA allows me to have all of my kids, my daughter and my students too. Its the best of both worlds!
What are the benefits of online versus traditional schooling?
I think the major benefits are allowing students to work slower or faster than they would in a normal setting and flexibility of scheduling. It wasn't until I
started teaching for FTA that I realized how many online students are in online courses because their schedules don't allow for traditional school. Students
who are athletes, actors, and dancers. I think its wonderful that we provide a way for all students to have their needs met.
What was your best subject in college?
I did well and really enjoyed physical chemistry and the electricity and magnetism half of physics. I also shocked myself by loving my biomedical ethics class!
In high school, were you ever awarded, "Best Dressed", "Most Likely to be Famous", "Class President", etc...?
I think I got smartest girl in junior high. I was the treasurer of the Science Club, but I didn't tell many people about it because it was terribly nerdy. I was also
the valedictorian when we graduated.
Do you run any other clubs other than the NHS for FTA, and what is your favorite thing about FTA?
NHS is the only club I'm running, but I am the club coordinator so I help organize things for all of the clubs, like the new forums and chat rooms.
My favorite thing about FTA is that I feel like the administration really wants to do the best that they can for teachers and students.
As you can see, Mrs. H is not your typical teacher, she wants what is best for each of her students and really does care. Mrs. H continues to do
beyond her best for her students and her students continue to try their hardest in her classes because of the teacher she is.

7. By: 7
a
Bri a n n
Luccia
no Summer Time, Tan Time
Speaking from experience skin cancer is absolutely nothing anyone wants to have. When I was ten years old my Mother was diagnosed with
skin cancer. What is your first thought - that she used tanning booths all the time, she laid out in the sun all day and never used sunscreen? If
you said yes to any of these, are incorrect. My Mother has never once in her life used a tanning booth, nor was she one to go out in the sun, in
fact, she would much rather be inside cooking - where there are no bugs! When she did go outside in the sun, she would use sunscreen.
However, skin cancer found her anyway. The cancer was in stage two out of four stages, which to those who don’t know is considered early
detection. She had surgery and was cured from the cancer.
Despite my Mom’s good fortune, you should always use sunscreen; even if you are a person who “never burns”. Now I know just as well as
everyone reading this that prime tanning hours are right around 12-2 p.m., that is when you get the darkest deepest tan. I can attest to moving
my towel three or four times during those hours just to get to the hottest spot in the sun. Mayo Clinic dermatologist, Lawrence Gibson, M.D.,
recommends not going out in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. sheknows.com reports. A lot of people think that you need
50SPF sunblock when really 15-30SPF is what is recommended. If you are wondering if you will still get a tan even with sunblock – yes, you will
get a tan, even with sunblock.
There are also tanning alternatives* to make you look tanner without looking like an orange marker attacked you. A few of them are:
Spray Tan.
There are large speculations that spray tans cause cancer also, but it has been proven multiple times that spray tans do not. I have found that
the best spray tan is MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan by Neutrogena. You can also go to your local tanning or hair salon to receive a spray tan.
Powder Bronzer.
You can find bronzer in your local drug store or supermarket. It gives a nice soft glow that you can see instantly. MAC Cosmetics arguably has
the best bronzing powder. I use it every day and it’s great!
Tanning Lotion.
Tanning lotions will sometimes come out streaky and if you don’t wash your hands right away they will be really orange. But still a great
alternative to tanning. Mystic Tan has an entire line of tanning products but their best is the Sunless Tanning Lotion.
If you look at the bottom of the page there are links to buy all three of these products.
*These tanning alternatives do not, by any means, take the place of wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be worn while in the sun.
Summertime is a short season. Please take the well- researched, well-documented facts and use sunscreen. As much as everyone hates it, it is
a necessity. If you don’t, you have a much greater risk of getting cancer. Don’t be the person that blabs about how you “don’t care” and “you
only live once”. Wrinkled, leather-looking skin is nothing anyone - man or woman wants to have when they are older, even though the most
serious of sun bathers do. But more than bad skin, skin cancer is something no one wants to be affected with; whether it is you, a friend, or a
family member. Don’t be silly guys, protect your bodies and live healthy lives. Wear sunblock and protect your skin; it’s the largest organ in your
body. Take action now, look better when you are older and live longer.
Con. on page 8.

8. 8
*These tanning alternatives do not, by any means, take the place of wearing
sunscreen. Sunscreen should always be worn while in the sun.
Neutrogena, MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan:
http://www.neutrogena.com/product/micromist-+airbrush+sunless+tan.do
MAC Cosmetics, BRONZING POWDER:
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/159/302/Bronzing-
Powder/index.tmpl
Mystic Tan, Sunless Tanning Lotion:
http://www.beauty.com/products/prod.asp?
pid=213245&catid=35858&aid=337568&aparam=mystic_tan_sunles
s_tanni&CAWELAID=306049206
To read the article “Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Glow” on
sheknows.com please visit:
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-
wellness/articles/955303/summer-skin-safety-for-the-whole-family

9. 9
B y:
Bri a n na Luc
c ian o
Dr. chung
interview
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
This axiom is so simple and yet, at the same time, entirely complex. Dr. Chung and her family truly believe in the proverb “It takes a village to
raise a child”. A child cannot be raised by just one person, they need a wealth of people around them to help them learn and to succeed;
hence, the village. Dr. Chung has more than succeeded in fulfilling this maxim. She has made an impeccable private school, with an amazing
village to help raise the children that attend Forest Trail Academy.
Dr. Chung is originally from Ghana, West Africa, and comes from a family background of educators. Dr. Chung’s family has had a tremendous
educational impact in her village back home. Struggling in the American education system herself, she vowed to continue her passion of
educating all students no matter their environmental situations. She believes that appropriate education is one thing in which everyone
should have equal access to.
While I was conducting my interview with Dr. Chung I referred to Forest Trail Academy (FTA) as a home-school. During the interview I learned
a very important element about our school. Although most of us do our academics from home it is a common misconception that we are a
home-school organization. To the contrary, FTA is accredited with multiple bodies and the State of Florida recognizes FTA as a private school.
But, I will go into more detail in the second part of this article.
Dr. Chung was kind enough to take time out of her schedule and answer my questions-
What is the topic of your doctoral dissertation?
DC: The topic of my doctoral dissertation is very dear to me, as I was once an ESOL (now called (English Language Learner (ELL) student. The
topic is Effect On ESOL Programs' In High School Graduation And College Plans: English For Speakers Of Other Language Programs' Effect On
High School Graduation And College Plan. It is published and now sold worldwide.
How did the topic of your dissertation affect your position at Forest Trail Academy?
DC: The topic of my dissertation affected my position at FTA in that I have opened up the school worldwide. I believe the best education
should be available and accessible to ALL students no matter where they live, where they came from, and or their ethnic backgrounds.
International students have the same admission requirements as well as high academic expectations as our American students.
Con. on page 10.

10. 10
What is the field of your doctorate degree? Where did you receive your doctoral degree from?
DC: I received my BA in Sociology and a minor in general education from the University of Florida (Go Gators). I received a Masters in
Secondary Education with licensure in Spanish, and Principalship certification from the University of Akron. Later, I earned my
doctorate degree in Education/Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Were you home-schooled?
DC: I was not homeschooled as I was reared in a single parent household whose mother had to work many hours. I believe in all types
of academic institutions including home schools. As an ELL student coming from another country, I do believe that I would have
benefitted academically from an alternate solution such as home school or an online program such as Forest Trail Academy.
There are many online based schools around – what sets Forest Trail Academy apart?
DC: FTA is set apart from other online schools because its director BELIEVES its mission, vision, and its organizational values/operating
principles. Through its leadership, teachers, staff, faculty also take ownership in its mission and the philosophy.
Vision of the Future: A global, innovative, learner focused alternative, embracing a culture of educational excellence.
The Mission Statement: Forest Trail Academy is committed to providing an innovative, academic, cultural, and pragmatic excellence by
empowering future leaders of life-long learners in a holistic online environment WORLDWIDE.
Organizational Values/ Operating Principles: Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Individualism/ Self-Paced, Learner-Centered, Continuous
Improvement
What made you want to become a part of such a large diversity of students?
DC: I wanted to become part of such a large diversity of students because I feel that I can relate and identify with many of the students
in our school. Academically, I did not fit into the factory model of traditional schools. I was an ELL student who needed a self paced
curriculum to slowly learn English, however, accelerate and advance in the other core subjects. Many of our students are attracted to
the self paced method.
How does Forest Trail Academy work with students who were “going down the wrong path”?
DC: FTA believes in the philosophy of parental/family involvement. Personally, I truly believe in the proverb, it takes a village to raise a
child. If we as a school notice that a student is headed “down the wrong path,” a call/email or some type of contact is made to the
parent/family. As a matter of fact, our counselors are required to call students’ homes twice a month to ensure that student/family is
doing well. Communication is key to resolving any potential problems. If we (school and parents/family) all take ownership of our
students’ best interests, we will be able to prevent all students from “going down the wrong path.”
Con. on page 11.

11. How do students who attend a virtual schooling experience have the upper hand?
DC: I believe students attending this type of program tend to be better-rounded and foster self discipline which is necessary in becoming 11
productive citizens in society. Students who participate in these types of programs are able to focus on other areas of interest such as arts,
sports, or any other extracurricular activities. Being able to participate in academic and nonacademic interest create a good balance.
What is the biggest challenge of being Principal of so many students?
DC: The biggest challenge of being a principal of so many students would be not being able to communicate and meet ALL of them. I believe
EVERY student is important. I am VERY familiar with my students in terms of their academics progress, but I have not been able to personally
meet our families which may lead to the perception that I am nonexistent in the school. However, I work very closely with the teachers.
How does Forest Trail Academy help and prepare students for college?
DC: FTA helps and prepares students for college by having high academic expectations and holding all students accountable in trying their best
in all courses. In addition, our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State standards as well as the Next Generation Sunshine States
standards to ensure that students are able to handle college preparatory level work.
Is it a realistic goal for a virtual high school student to be accepted into an Ivy League?
DC: Absolutely. We have had students in the past who have been accepted to Ivy League schools such as Columbia, Worcester Polytechnic
Institute, Dartmouth, NYU, and Harvard. Finding out where students have been accepted is really a difficult data to attain because once
graduated, many students do not contact us again. We typically gather this data when the university institutions themselves request a high
school transcript from us.
Forest Trail Academy has so many amenities, what is- in your opinion the best amenity?
DC: In my opinion, I believe the community is the best amenity so far. Students are able to make new friends worldwide. In addition, they are
able to meet their teachers on a more personal level. We do plan on upgrading the community in the near future.
What does Forest Trail Academy look for in potential students?
DC: To be honest, we accept all students who are willing to learn. We do not “select” based on standardized tests, or perfect GPA. We seek
students who want a chance to shine academically against all odds (whether to accelerate in graduating early or in process of the expectation
not to graduate at all).
What are colleges looking for in virtual high school students?
DC: Like in traditional schools, colleges/universities are looking for students who meet their admission requirements (SAT/ACT scores, GPA,
etc.).
If you could speak to a family debating between FTA and another school, what would you say?
DC: I would say to make sure that they are comparing apples to apples. FTA offers an accredited K-12th grade accredited school with certified
teachers in a self paced common core state curriculum standards for an affordable tuition. Teachers provide feedback to students’ work and
Con. on page 12.

12. 12
Lastly, what impression do you want Forest Trail Academy to leave on its’ graduates?
DC: I want graduates to have the impression that they have had a plethora of academic knowledge and are prepared to face any post
secondary academic institutions.
As you can see Dr. Chung truly cares about every aspect, of our school. Whether it is the students, the faculty, or the
behind the scenes details that no one sees. As the school grows our village will continue to grow and help guide and
teach all of our students that attend Forest Trail Academy.
Stay tuned for part two of Dr. Chung’s interview – you wont want to miss it!