Episodes

  • Winging It Podcast: Careers in the Arts with CPFA Alumni
    Dec 10 2025

    In this special episode, four graduates of The Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS) join us after a run of shows of Into The Woods at SALT Performing Arts to share how their time at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA) shaped their education, confidence, and career paths.

    Their stories span dance, theatre, teaching, choreography, community arts, and service—and each of them speaks to the power of learning in a flexible PA cyber school environment that supports creativity, individuality, and well-being.

    They discuss: • The teachers and mentors who changed the direction of their lives • How CPFA’s arts training built both skill and confidence • Balancing academics with intensive performing arts commitments • The friendships and community that still matter to them today • How K–12 online learning in Pennsylvania opened doors to new opportunities • Their current careers and what they wish students knew about pursuing the arts

    Whether you’re a student exploring the arts, a parent considering a virtual charter school in PA, or an educator interested in how community thrives in online learning, this conversation is full of insight, gratitude, and inspiration.

    🌐 Learn more about PALCS and CPFA: www.palcs.org

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #CPFA #CPFAFam #WingingItPodcast #K12OnlineLearning #AlumniSpotlight #PerformingArtsEducation

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    49 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Dual Enrollment & Musical Theatre with Jo Hughes
    Dec 10 2025

    🎧 In this episode, we sit down with Jo Hughes, a senior at PALCS and CPFA (Center for Performing Arts at PALCS), who shares her incredible journey navigating high school while simultaneously pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at Delaware County Community College (DCCC). She discusses how the flexible nature of online learning at

    PALCS allowed her to excel academically and immerse herself in the performing arts.

    We hear about:

    • Her involvement in the arts, which includes playing the Witch in Into the Woods at DCCC and winning Best Comic Actress at the Cappie Awards for her role as the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet.
    • Her leadership as the President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and Chairperson of the Friday Night Cafe committee, which has doubled attendance and raised funds for the music department.
    • Her ambitious plans to apply to over 30 schools to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater after graduating with her Associate's degree.
    • Why she is a fierce advocate for School Choice and the life-changing opportunities PALCS has provided her.

    🌟 Jo is truly a testament to what dedicated students can achieve through the power of choice and flexibility in education.

    🌐 Learn more: palcs.org

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #WingingItPodcast #CPFA #DualEnrollment #OnlineLearning #MusicalTheater #StudentSuccess #PerformingArts #TriMMusicHonorSociety #SchoolChoice

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    22 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Grief, Healing & Your Voice Heard with Dr. Marilyn Pendelton
    Nov 12 2025

    Dr. Pendelton shares how unprocessed grief affects our health, classrooms, and communities—and how The Grief Recovery Method® helps students, parents, and educators heal and grow. Learn how PALCS partners with Your Voice Heard to bring trauma-informed practices and emotional wellness into online learning across Pennsylvania. 🌿

    💛 Whether you’re an educator, parent, or student, this episode reminds us that grief isn’t a flaw to fix—it’s a natural response to change, and healing begins when every voice is heard.

    🌐 Learn more: palcs.org | urvoiceheard.com

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #WingingItPodcast #GriefRecovery #StudentWellness #OnlineEducation #YourVoiceHeard #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingTogether #VirtualCharterSchool

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    26 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Cycling & Automotive Club with Sam and Judah
    Oct 29 2025

    🎧 In this episode, meet Judah and Sam, seniors at PALCS and members of the University Scholars Program (USP), whose shared love of engineering, adventure, and friendship has taken them on an unforgettable journey — literally. 🚲🌍

    Judah and Sam share:

    • How their two-week, 1,000-mile bike trip from Pennsylvania to Canada challenged their endurance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

    • The planning, gear, and grit that went into preparing for the trip — from daily route logistics to fueling their ride (and where they found the best poutine 🍟)

    • How PALCS’s flexibility and support allowed them to balance academics with ambitious hands-on projects like their long-distance ride

    • Their work with the PALCS Automotive Club — from building and tuning go-karts to taking on a real car rebuild project

    • How these experiences sparked their interest in mechanical and civil engineering, inspiring future careers built on innovation and persistence

    You’ll also hear how their sense of humor, curiosity, and drive keep them learning outside the classroom — whether they’re crossing borders on bikes or turning wrenches in the garage. 🛠️

    Whether you’re a student drawn to engineering, project-based learning, or adventure, this episode highlights how PALCS empowers students to explore their passions, take initiative, and build real-world skills that go the distance.

    🌐 Learn more about our virtual K–12 school in Pennsylvania: https://www.palcs.org

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #OnlineLearning #STEM #Engineering #AutomotiveClub #StudentSuccess #WingingItPodcast #VirtualHighSchool #CyberSchool #PALCSLife #ProjectBasedLearning

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    39 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Balancing Physics, Music & Leadership with Juliette Tenebruso
    Oct 15 2025

    🎧 In this episode, meet Juliette Tenebruso, a senior at PALCS, who is exploring the intersections of STEM, music, and leadership. 🌌🎶 Juliette shares:

    ● How PALCS’s fully virtual programs, including the University Scholars Program (USP) and CPFA, allow her to pursue advanced physics research and music production simultaneously ● Her experience in the Stanford Research Program, inspiring women in physics, learning Python, and exploring theoretical physics and potential careers at NASA or in academia ● The joy of creating music—writing, performing, producing, and collaborating on projects remotely with fellow CPFA students ● Leading Mu Alpha Theta, PALCS’s new Math Honor Society chapter, from organizing events to planning competitions and inviting STEM guest speakers ● Participating in PALCS’s AI committee to help shape AI policy, teach responsible AI use, and balance technology with critical thinking

    You’ll also hear Juliette’s personal reflections on growth, curiosity, and problem-solving, from tutoring peers in math and physics to balancing the creativity of music with the rigor of science. Plus, she gives us fun takes on waffles vs. pancakes, hot dogs vs. sandwiches, and the ultimate pineapple-on-pizza debate. 🍕

    Whether you’re a student looking to explore STEM, music, or leadership opportunities, or a parent considering online education in Pennsylvania, this episode highlights how PALCS helps students pursue their passions and develop real-world skills.

    🌐 Learn more about our virtual K-12 school in Pennsylvania: https://www.palcs.org

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #VirtualHighSchool #OnlineSchool #K12CyberSchool #STEM #MusicProduction #MathHonorSociety #AI #StudentSuccess #WingingItPodcast

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    16 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Elementary School Counseling at PALCS
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of Winging It, meet Jessica Kirk, a member of the Elementary School Counseling Team at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS). Discover how our counselors help K–5 students navigate academics, friendships, and personal growth — all within a flexible online learning environment.

    Learn how they: 🌟 Support emotional wellness and resilience 🤝 Collaborate with families and teachers 📘 Guide students toward academic and social success

    At PALCS, we’re committed to helping every child feel connected, confident, and cared for.

    🎧 Tune in now, and learn more at www.palcs.org.

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #WingingItPodcast #K12OnlineLearning #SchoolCounseling #ElementaryEducation

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    28 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Mock Trial with the University Scholars Program
    Sep 17 2025

    🎙️ Welcome to Season 2 of the Winging It Podcast!

    In this episode, meet members of the University Scholars Program Mock Trial team at PALCS, where students step into the courtroom to sharpen their skills in law, debate, and critical thinking. ⚖️

    Our students share:

    • How PALCS’s flexibility allows them to pursue Mock Trial alongside their rigorous academics
    • What it’s like preparing for competitions through preseason scrimmages, tournaments at LaSalle and Penn, and district championships
    • The thrill of objections, cross-examinations, and finding small but powerful details in affidavits
    • How Mock Trial builds confidence, teamwork, and public speaking skills that extend far beyond the courtroom

    You’ll also hear inspiring growth stories—like students discovering their passion for law, overcoming nerves, and even transforming from shy witnesses into confident attorneys delivering closing arguments.

    Whether you’re a student curious about extracurriculars or a parent exploring online education in Pennsylvania, this episode highlights the unique opportunities and real-world skills students gain through PALCS.

    🌐 Learn more about our virtual K-12 school in Pennsylvania: https://www.palcs.org

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #VirtualHighSchool #OnlineSchool #K12CyberSchool #MockTrial #StudentSuccess #WingingItPodcast

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    10 mins
  • Winging It Podcast: Competitive Rowing with John Walish
    Sep 3 2025

    Welcome to Season 2 of the Winging It Podcast!

    In this episode of Winging It, meet John Walish, a student of the University Scholars Program at PALCS whose path blends academic excellence with competitive rowing. 🚣‍♂️

    John shares:

    • How PALCS provides the flexibility to balance rigorous academics with high-level athletics
    • The importance of mental preparation, teamwork, and discipline in rowing
    • His journey to winning Gold at the Mid-Atlantic Championships
    • How effort and commitment in sports mirror personal growth and success in school

    Whether you’re a student pursuing athletics alongside academics or a parent considering online education in Pennsylvania, John’s journey shows the power of dedication, flexibility, and opportunity at PALCS.

    🌐 Learn more about our virtual K-12 school in Pennsylvania: https://www.palcs.org

    #PALCS #PACyberCharterSchool #VirtualHighSchool #OnlineSchool #K12CyberSchool #Rowing #StudentSuccess #WingingItPodcast

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    15 mins