JACKSON TWP — Seneca Valley Academy of Choice has gained international attention.

Officials from South Oakleigh Secondary College in Australia made a long journey to Seneca Valley in December to learn about the intermediate high school's Situated Multimedia Arts Learning Lab.

Ken Macek, academy Cyber and Blended Technology Education teacher, displayed software and technology used in the lab and in motion capture and animation courses at SV during the visit.

Additionally, Denise Manganello, academy principal, was invited to participate in a national presentation of “Exploring the Possibilities, Challenges and Processes of Governance in Online Education” for Project Ungoverned on Wednesday.

During this online conference, Manganello shared the academy's success.

SVAOC offers students enrolled in the program access to a flexible schedule, virtual and performing arts education opportunities and individualized instruction.

This week, Seneca Valley's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program will continue to advance with its lecture series when it hosts Dawn Halle from 1:17 to 2:41 p.m. Monday in the senior high school auditorium for this year's second lecture in the series.

Halle, a licensed professional counselor, certified rehabilitation counselor and a certified clinical trauma professional, will discuss her experience and background to students interested in pursuing this line of work.

Halle works as a triage therapist with Glade Run, serving at Seneca Valley School District, and holds private practice hours in Butler as a partner with the Christian Counselors Collaborative. She has practiced clinical work throughout Western Pennsylvania in the areas of mental health, drugs and alcohol, the education system (secondary and post-secondary), the judicial system and disability-related services.

For more information on the academy, visit www.svsd.net/SVAOC.