16-year-old becomes artist, entreprenuer and surgeon | Arts & Culture

16-year-old Conifer resident and Colorado Virtual Academy (COVA) sophomore, Kelsey Wilcox, has accomplished more than most people will in a lifetime. In just a short span, she has:

·         Launched a nonprofit called the “Starving Artist,” where proceeds from her artwork get donated to the same food bank that helped her family when they were struggling financially.

·         Illustrated a volume of books to help Chinese students learn English.

·         Studied neurosurgery, leading her to earn an Apprentice Doctor Certificate. This summer, she’ll also be doing a surgical placement at Jodhpur Hospital in India.

·         Studied Latin, German and Mandarin. In addition, Kelsey founded both the Premedical and Mathemaniacs clubs at school.

·         Most recently, she was selected out of hundreds nationwide to be featured as Next Step U magazine’s Super Teen, recognizing students “who drop jaws” through their academic, extracurricular and community work.

Despite being exceptionally gifted, Kelsey struggled to fit in and get along socially in school. She decided to transition to COVA, a full-time, online public school, where students learn at home through web-based and one-on-one instruction with state-credentialed and highly-qualified teachers.

Kelsey represents a growing trend of students who attend online public schools to benefit from a more individualized approach, have the  flexibility to pursue their passions and still receive the same structure and accountability. According to the Department of Education, there are more than 16,000 K through 12 students in Colorado enrolled in online school programs, up 65 percent since 2007. And, more than 4 million students nationwide are enrolled in online public schools.

Given this trend and Kelsey’s unique story (and the fact that March is Youth Art Month) I thought this would be the perfect time to feature Kelsey. If you’re interested in interviewing her or having her in-studio, please contact me at 303-951-2565 or cbrin@linhartpr.com

Press Release