Gianna’s Journey at CAVA

CAVA Graduate and Recent Winner of My Senior Reel National Competition

For many high school students, overcoming personal challenges while excelling academically can seem like an uphill battle. But for Gianna, an 18-year-old artist from Ramona, California, a unique educational path with California Virtual Academies (CAVA) and her passion for animation provided the tools to transform her high school experience.

Gianna recently won the national “My Senior Reel” competition, which was open to seniors attending K12-powered schools. The competition offered five student winners a $1,000 scholarship to help further their education or support their future endeavors. Gianna’s winning video not only showcased her impressive artistic talents but also highlighted how online learning contributed to her success.

Turning Anxiety Into Art

Like many students, Gianna faced academic anxiety, particularly in subjects like math and science. Traditional school environments often left her feeling overwhelmed. However, that all changed when she transitioned to virtual learning at CAVA. Starting in the 7th grade, Gianna discovered that studying online gave her the space to focus, grow, and channel her creative energy into animation—a newfound passion that would shape her future.

“Creating colorful characters brought calmness back into my life. It makes me feel very patient,” Gianna shared. Her love for animation became a form of therapy, helping her manage anxiety while excelling academically. Over the years, average grades became straight A’s, and Gianna’s confidence blossomed.

The My Senior Reel Experience

Gianna’s journey came full circle when she entered the My Senior Reel competition, submitting a video that told the story of her high school experience at CAVA. The competition asked students to reflect on topics such as how online school prepared them for future success and what advice they would give to other students. Gianna’s video, submitted in both an edited and raw format as required, captured her growth as both a student and an artist.

In addition to winning a $1,000 scholarship, Gianna expressed how the scholarship will help her get “one step ahead in paying off tuition” as she heads to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco this fall.

A Supportive Learning Environment

Jeff, Gianna’s father, was initially concerned about the potential for social isolation often associated with online schooling. But those fears quickly faded as his daughter thrived in CAVA’s supportive and flexible environment. “It’s been beyond what I expected. The freedom allowed her to embrace her love for art and animation,” he said.

CAVA provided Gianna with the tools and encouragement she needed to explore her talents while still engaging with a vibrant online community of peers and teachers. She became more extroverted and self-assured, proving that a nontraditional school model can be just as socially enriching as a brick-and-mortar environment.

A Bright Future in Animation

Winning the national My Senior Reel competition was a pivotal moment for Gianna. Her video, which documented her high school journey, earned her the recognition and scholarship she needed to continue pursuing her dreams at the Academy of Art University. There, she’ll further develop her animation skills to create her own show or even direct movies.

Gianna Fenner’s journey through CAVA and the My Senior Reel competition is an inspiring reminder that with the right support system, any challenge can be overcome—and even turned into an opportunity for growth and success.

The CAVA Difference

Gianna’s story highlights the unique benefits of California Virtual Academies. CAVA allows students to thrive academically while pursuing their passions by offering a flexible, individualized learning environment. Gianna turned her anxiety into a creative outlet that not only helped her academically but also gave her a sense of purpose and excitement for the future.

This blog post is based on Gianna’s interview for CBS San Diego. You can watch the full segment, Fighting Anxiety Through Animation: Gianna’s Journey at CAVA, by clicking here.