Welcome to our first episode of Gifted Voices - A Scholars Academy Podcast! In this episode we will interview the one and only Dr. Laura Lowder from Scholars Academy for the Gifted and Artistically Elite. Having exceptionally gifted children herself, she discusses her life and things such as the reason for creating Scholars Academy, her degrees, and much more. Our podcast team came together to create this episode for you and we hope you enjoy it.

In this special episode of Gifted Voices: A Scholars Academy Podcast, five alumni share how their time at Scholars Academy shaped their paths after graduation. 🎓 Featuring:

• Sarah Lehtinen – Richmond Ballet Trainee deferring to University (Class of 2025)
• Kiera Kapner – Syracuse University, Geography & Policy Studies (Class of 2022)
• Isabella Wall – UNC-Chapel Hill, Public Policy pre-law track (Class of 2023)
• Haley Lowder – UNC-Chapel Hill, Exercise & Sports Science health & society minor, pre-med track (Class of 2021)
• Isabelle Burke – UNC-Chapel Hill, Psychology pre-dentistry track (Class of 2024)

From navigating dual enrollment to adapting to college life, these graduates reflect on perseverance, self-advocacy, and the power of creative thinking. Their stories showcase how the Scholars experience builds lifelong skills — in and beyond the classroom.

In this special episode, you’ll hear directly from our Virtual Lower Academy students as they share what makes our school community so special. From favorite classes and teachers to friendships, and moments of joy, these authentic student voices remind us what learning together is all about. Tune in for a heartwarming celebration of curiosity, creativity, and connection—told entirely by the students themselves.