At the recent Global Online Academy Catalyst Conference, Cary Academy student Allie Chandler ’22 was awarded the Catalyst for Change Award — the top honor, chosen from amongst hundreds of projects submitted by students from across the U.S. and 18 other countries around the globe.

Chandler’s project, “#ClimateChallenge – How Do We Take Action?” was one of six selected from more than 350 presentations to receive the top prize, for presenting a compelling and inspiring case for change. The award recognizes student learning focused on responding to real-world challenges in local communities.

Chandler’s project, which leveraged social media to encourage communities to be conscientious about their mindset toward change, “gave people basic and fun ways to make a difference,” according to GOA’s Associate Director of Faculty, Susan Fine.

In addition, Anna Lane ’20 received one of 77 Catalyst Conference citations for her project “How Can We Increase The Number of Eating Disorders Among Athletes?”

Global Online Academy is a nonprofit organization that reimagines learning to empower students and educators to thrive in a globally networked society. Celebrating its fifth year, the Catalyst Conference brings together students from GOA’s 76 member schools around the world – including Cary Academy – in a fully-online setting to share, connect, learn from, and promote advocacy and local activism.

Congratulations, Allie and Anna!