By: Monica Gardoni, FLVS Foundation Board Vice President & Artful Expression Event Chair

5…4…3…2…1… blast off, Florida! The Florida Virtual School Foundation launched into a world of creativity at the third annual Artful Expressions Showcase, “A Universe of Possibilities," held at the Orlando Science Center on May 29. This unforgettable night spotlighted the artistic brilliance of students from Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and Florida Scholars Academy (FSA).

More than art, a celebration of community

What made it truly special was not just the art, but the village behind it. As a proud member of the FLVS Foundation Board, I can say with certainty that when our board partners with FLVS educators, families, and students, we create more than opportunities; we create launchpads!

A galaxy of talent

The student gallery overflowed with creativity, with more than 60 pieces of art, from vibrant paintings to powerful photography.  Each piece reflected the bold ideas, emotions, and dreams of our students. The inclusion of FSA student artwork, submitted by youth currently in Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice residential commitment programs, brought a meaningful and powerful depth to the night. 

FLVS and FSA families, teachers, leaders, and supporters from across the state gathered to walk the exhibits, enjoy music and refreshments, and share in the joy of student self-expression. The room was filled with pride, laughter, and inspiration.

On stage: Inspiration in every voice

Our program was emceed with heart and humor by my son, Aiden Cardoza, an FLVS Flex eighth grader. His own photography journey began in third grade, and today, his art has traveled to the International Space Station and even landed on the moon in a time capsule. His story is just one shining example of how FLVS opens a universe of possibilities for students to dream big and achieve more than they ever imagined.

 Our evening wouldn’t have been complete without DJ Rocket, Ryker Collins, a third-grade FLVS Flex student spinning tunes and adding a joyful beat to the night!

A stellar surprise for two student artists

One of the evening’s most exciting moments came when FLVS Foundation Board Treasurer, Mike Miller, took the stage to share a special announcement: The artwork of two top student winners will be featured at the Florida Embassy in Washington, D.C.

This national spotlight honors their talent and proves that with the right support, students can truly reach for the stars.

Full-circle moments

Personally, this showcase was especially meaningful. Watching my son Aiden lead the event and my grandson, Sylar Borden, FLVS Flex seventh-grader, donate his digital art, “Voyage to the Stars,” was a proud and humbling experience. They, like every student in that room, remind us that the future is in creative, capable hands.

Honoring those who made it happen

We were deeply honored to have the Superintendent of Florida Scholars Academy, Mr. Julian Cazanas, join us and support the work and achievements of FSA students. 

We also extend a heartfelt thanks to our FLVS Foundation Board of Directors, who make events like this possible through their leadership and service.

Additionally, we’re so grateful to the FLVS Executive Team and staff who were in attendance. Your impact on students goes beyond the classroom and into their lives.

Special thanks to the powerhouse event committee, whose vision and hard work brought this night to life:

• Sofia Borden, event co-chair

• Mae Martin, manager, FLVS student activities

• Janet Mauri, family engagement specialist at FSA

• Michaele-Anne Elliott, FLVS art teacher

Thank you to Megan Rincon, FLVS elementary art instructor, for volunteering as a judge for the event.

Lastly, none of this could have happened without our dedicated FLVS Foundation team: Beth Brunner and Dayna Schmutz. Thank you both for everything you did behind the scenes to make this night shine.

We are deeply grateful to our event sponsors: AdventHealth, DOF Creations, Love Honda Motorsports Ocoee, Key Innovation Solutions, and the National Center for Simulation. Your generous support made this unforgettable evening possible.

It takes a village

At the heart of this event was a truth we all felt: it takes a village. As a FLVS Foundation board member, I’m proud to be part of this village, one that includes FLVS teachers, students, families, mentors, community partners, and donors. Together, we are shaping a future where every student can explore, create, and soar.

To everyone who attended, supported, volunteered, or simply believed, thank you.

You are proof that when we come together to lift students up, there is truly a universe of possibilities.

2025 Artful Expressions Student Showcase Winners

Florida Virtual School (FLVS)

Overall Winner

Emma Alvarez, ninth grade, FLVS Flex – Drawing: “A Far Reach”

Digital Art – High School

• 1st: Natalia Silva-Santana, 12th grade, FLVS Flex,  – “Aim for the Stars”

• 2nd: Andreah Beshay, 11th grade, FLVS Full Time – “Complimentary Inter-Galactic Snacks”

• 3rd: Brielle Gonzales, ninth grade, FLVS Flex – “A Moment in Time”

Digital Art – Middle School

• 1st: Sylar Borden, seventh grade, FLVS Flex – “Lift Off!”

• 2nd (tie): Andrea Skolar, eighth grade, FLVS Flex – “A Window into Space”

• 2nd (tie): Makaela Ruvalcaba, eighth grade, FLVS Flex– “Solar Eclipse” 

Drawing – Elementary

• 1st: Greyson Dinwiddie, second grade, FLVS Flex  – “Rocket Space Dream”

• 2nd: Ryan Divliansky, fifth grade, FLVS Flex – “Earth and Its Wonderful People”

• 3rd: Olivia Wyatt, fifth grade, FLVS Flex – “Anything is Possible”

Drawing – Middle School

• 1st: Aurora Turner, sixth grade, FLVS Flex – “Triangulum”

Drawing – High School

• 1st: Akiane Tapias, 12th grade, FLVS Full Time – “The Connection”

• 2nd: Keara Bittel, 10th grade, FLVS Full Time – “Reach for the Stars”

• 3rd: Kaylie Konig, 12th grade FLVS Full Time – “Galaxy of Possibilities”

 Painting – Elementary

• 1st: Isis Barrera, fourth grade, FLVS Flex – “Endless Possibilities”

• 2nd (tie): Madisyn Best, fourth grade, FLVS Flex  – “Lost in a Dream Galaxy”

• 2nd (tie): Sophia Zamora, third grade, FLVS Flex – “The American Flag in Outer Space”

• 3rd: Ryker Collins, fourth grade, FLVS Flex – “America Forever in Space”

Painting – Middle School

• 1st: Zainab Khan, seventh grade, FLVS Full Time  – “404; Earth Not Found”

Painting – High School

• 1st: Olivia Quade, 12th grade, FLVS Flex – “New Earth”

• 2nd: Roman Collins, 11th grade, FLVS Flex – “Control the Cosmos”

• 3rd: Bridget Moreno, 12th grade, FLVS Flex – “The Moon”

Photography – Middle School

• 1st (tie): Ashlyn Stevenson, eighth grade, FLVS Flex – “Painting the Stars”

• 1st (tie): Charles Bianchi, eighth grade, FLVS Flex  – “A Perfect Space”

   

   

Florida Scholars Academy (FSA)

Overall Winner

• J.N. – Orange Youth Academy – “Lost in Space”

Middle School Winners

• 1st: H.V. – Broward Youth Treatment Center – “Faith Holds the World”

• 2nd: L.S. – Polk Halfway House – “FLVS Astronomy”

High School Winners

• 2nd: L.L. – Britt Technical Academy – “Mars Attacks”

• 3rd: M. G. H.– Tampa Bay Girls Academy – “Creative Nonsense”

Every student who participated is a star in our eyes. Thank you for your courage, creativity, and commitment to sharing your vision with the world.

About the author: As Vice President of the FLVS Foundation Board, Monica Gardoni is dedicated to supporting educational programs that foster leadership and environmental awareness, including co-chairing the FLVS Foundation’s 3rd Annual Artful Expressions Student Showcase. With a strong background in banking and financial literacy, she brings valuable experience to her work with the foundation and her leadership at Captain A TV, Inc. Her dedication to environmental education and youth empowerment is evident through her collaboration with a variety of community organizations and initiatives.