VAHS Front

VAHS Front

Voyager Academy High School News, Feb. 6, 2026

 

 

GO VIKINGS GO!

New This Week

  • VAHS Winter Spirit Week Is Feb. 9 - 13!
  • PTSO Luncheon (Parent Help Needed)
  • We Have Beta Club Winners
  • VAHS Students Win At The Scholastic Art Awards 
  • Hey Seniors: 2026 Graduation Products Delivery
  • NCSECU People Helping People Scholarship 2026

Recent News Items

  • Voyager PTSO February Spirit Night
  • Class of 2026 Cap and Gown Orders
  • Animal Protecton Society Donation Drive
  • VAHS Track & Field - Winter Conditioning & Spring Season Information
  • Durham Tech. Dual Enrollment Interest Meetings Available 
  • Bull City In Black: HBCU Showcase 2/7/2026 
  • Volunteer with the Diaper Bank of NC!
  • Voyager Academy Application Deadline For Siblings Of VAHS Students
  • The 2026-2027 Admissions Process
  • Attn. Juniors: CFNC Next Step Helps You Plan For College & Career
  • Seniors: Here Are Your FAFSA Instruction
  • Get Your Class Of 2026 Sweatshirt

Helpful Resources

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VAHS Winter Spirit Week Is Feb. 9 - 13!

SPIRIT WEEK at VAHS is the week of February 9th - 13th
We have dress up days, home basketball games and a spirit assembly!



We look forward to seeing your school spirit! GO! VIKINGS! GO!



PTSO Luncheon (Parent Help Needed)

Hello Voyager Families,

Thank you to everyone who helped make our last luncheon a success.

Our next Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at the high school is scheduled for Monday, February 9th, and will be Super Bowl themed. We invite you to share your favorite appetizer recipes and help us treat the teachers and staff to a celebratory feast.

Please review the sign-up link below to volunteer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D45ACAF2AA4F58-61677168-vahs


Best regards,
Laura Garrett
Voyager Academy PTSO



We Have Beta Club Winners!

The Voyager High School Beta Club competes in dozens of competitions at the annual State Convention each year.  So far due to weather delays, only the online testing events have taken place.  We are very proud to say that seven VAHS students have been recognized as Top Five finishers in their events. 

  • Jude McDonald, Agriscience 10th grade, 4th place
  • Naomi Alem, Biomedical 9th grade, 1st place!!
  • Jordan Lynch, Math 9th grade, 4th place
  • Josh Uba, Math 12th grade, 4th place
  • Josiah Riesland, Science 11th grade, 5th place
  • Camille Odei-Larbi, Spelling 10th grade, 5th place
  • Austin Odei-Larbi, US History 11th grade, 3rd place



(L to R: Camille Odei-Larbi, Josiah Riesland, Naomi Alem, Josh Uba, Austin Odei-Larbi, Jordan Lynch)


The remainder of the events will take place over the next week or two in a virtual format, so we're hoping for more of our students to be recognized. 



VAHS Students Win At The Scholastic Art Awards 

The Scholastic Arts program is a nationwide art competition and juried gallery show, regionally recognizing the artwork of middle and high school students who excel in the visual arts. Judges are tasked with selecting works based on student originality, skill, and personal voice in order to receive Silver and Gold Key awards within each region.

Three of our Voyager High School students submitted work this year-Samantha Ashdown, Liz Rivas, and Emarie Burton. Emarie submitted multiple works for which she received TWO Silver Key Awards and one Honorable Mention. One of her Silver Key works (below) representative of past and present social issues, will be displayed in East Carolina's Art Gallery throughout the month of February.

Attached you will see Emarie's Silver Key Award winning work as well as the works submitted by Samantha and Liz. Although not selected for awards this year,  Samantha and Liz both submitted works that required great skill and thoughtful design. Please congratulate all of our participants. We are so very proud of you!

Samantha Ashdown


Emarie Burton

Liz Rivas


Liz Rivas



Hey Seniors: 2026 Graduation Products Delivery

2026 Graduates, Mark your calendars for Monday March 16, 2026!
HerffJones reps will be on campus during Advisory and Lunch to deliver graduation products. All balances need to be paid in advance. Contact: www.highschool.herffjones.com or call  (336)228-7770 with any questions or to confirm your order. 


 


NCSECU People Helping People Scholarship 2026

The State Employee Credit Union (SECU) People Helping People Scholarship process is  open. This is a $10,000.00 scholarship for a high school senior at a North Carolina public high school who has been accepted into one of the 16 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina.
Eligibility Criteria includes:

  1. Scholastic achievement with a 2.5 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale, and be deserving of financial aid.
  2. Must either be a SECU member or eligible for membership through a parent/guardian who is an SECU member.
  3. Exhibited leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement.
See the information below. Applications must be submitted to VAHS School Counselor, Jill O'Kane (jokane@voyageracademy.net) by March 6, 2026 for a VAHS Scholarship Committee Review.

Eligibility Criteria (click here)

Application Process (click here) 



Voyager PTSO February Spirit Night

Celebrate Valentine's day while supporting Voyager's PTSO!


The next Voyager PTSO Spirit Night will be Friday,  February 13 at El Rodeo



Class of 2026 Cap and Gown Orders

Any senior who has not ordered their 2026 cap and gown needs to do so though the following HerffJones online portal.  https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/home
Feel free to contact Jill O'Kane with any questions or concerns.


Animal Protecton Society Donation Drive

Voyager community—my name is Aidan Daly, and I am holding a donation drive for the Durham Animal Protection Society. Below is a list of items that the Durham APS could really use to help take care of all their animals during these cold and snowy days. There will be a dog or cat crate in each school building (ES, MS, HS), to keep with the animal theme, and we will attempt to fill the crates with donations. The time to donate will be from Tuesday, Feb 3rd - Friday, Feb. 20th. Thank you for all that you guys do and give, and remember, every little bit helps!


Please use this link (click here) to get to Amazon and Chewy! 


Durham APS Wishlist:

  • Pet treats
  • Blankets and towels (gently used okay)
  • Toys (new or gently used)
  • Litter and litter boxes (non-clumping please)
  • Leashes, collars, harnesses
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, trash bags, paper towels)
  • Gift cards (pet stores, grocery stores)
**Durham APS is not currently in need of dog or cat food**



VAHS Track & Field - Winter Conditioning & Spring Season Information

Voyager Track & Field winter conditioning has begun and is open to all students interested in participating, regardless of experience. Conditioning is optional and designed to help athletes prepare for the upcoming spring season.

Official Track & Field practices begin February 16. Students planning to participate must be registered through the Athletics Department and have a current physical on file before the start of official practices.

For more information, contact Claudin Mangum at cmangum@voyageracademy.net



Durham Tech. Dual Enrollment Interest Meetings Available   

Durham Tech. Career and College Promise (CCP) Interest meeting sessions are now available for booking. https://visit.durhamtech.edu/event/476134


Attending one one of these sessions is the first step for rising Juniors and Seniors for fall 2026 enrollment. These sessions are held to prepare our students for success.  During the meeting students will learn about program requirements, plans of study, and how to apply for admission. Parents are welcome to attend. All sessions are held virtually and usually last an hour. Contact Jill O'Kane (jokane@voyageracademy.net) for more information or simple check out the Durham Tech. CCP Website   https://www.durhamtech.edu/dual-enrollment



BULL CITY IN BLACK: HBCU Showcase 2/7/2026

BULL CITY IN BLACK: HBCU Showcase celebrates the history and enduring legacy of historically black colleges and universities from across the state and region. The Emily K Center hosts representatives and student organizations from HBCUs who share information about admissions opportunities. There are also workshops covering topics such as financial aid, first-gen student experience, resume support, and more!

This event is FREE and open to all — high school students and their families are strongly encouraged to attend. Bull City in Black 2026 will take place on February 7th! Registration now available here.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=KAQJ-nHjB0qMdEYvQ6I1z6f0pfK11-tMrm_CqW0hz31UQ0g3TFpQM0E2QjVSSllHQkZBTkhaSTVRRi4u



Volunteer with the Diaper Bank of NC!

Volunteers will count and wrap diapers/pull-ups and prepare them for distribution to families in need.

Session is on Saturday April 18th 9:30am-11:30am
Registration link:  https://volunteer.nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/opportunities/q4G91c928K

(Required for all)

Volunteer waiver: bit.ly/wrappingwaiver (required for first time volunteers)
Address: 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd, Suite 1, Hillsborough, NC 27278
How to prepare:
- Wear close toes shoes (required)
- Dress to the weather as our warehouse does not have A/C or heat.
- Bring water 


Voyager Academy Application Deadline For Siblings Of VAHS Students

This is an important reminder that the application deadline for those families who are applying for siblings of current Voyager Academy students is February 28, 2026.

 

Application Deadline For Siblings Of Voyager Academy Students:  February 28, 2026

Click here for the application and more information.



The 2026-2027 Admissions Process

It is time to begin to plan for the 26-27 year. Listed below is the timeline for admissions for NEW students:

  • Applications open: 1/1/26 - close 2/28/26

  • Info Tour Date: 1/21/26 (8:30 elementary, 9:45 middle school, 10:45 high school)

  • Info Session (virtual): 2/5/26 - 5:00

  • Lottery Held: - 3/6/26 - 9 am

  • Accepted Student Tour Date: 3/18/26



Attn. Juniors: CFNC Next Step Helps You Plan For College & Career

The College Foundation of NC (CFNC) Next Step is officially open for high school juniors and their families across North Carolina. 


Next Step supports students as they explore college, career, and military pathways, while encouraging meaningful conversations at home and school. The program also provides educators with actionable data to support advising, planning, and targeted support for juniors throughout the year. Juniors and families are encouraged to visit the site above to initiate this valuable career and college planning tool! 


Click here for details about North Carolina - Next Step



Seniors: Here Are Your FAFSA Instructions 

College bound seniors and parents/guardians should fill out the FAFSA to access federal student aid like grants, work-study, and loans, as well as state and school-based aid and private scholarships. Completing the form is free and can help pay for college. The  Professional Access and Equity (PAE) Committee has developed simplified FAFSA instructions. This resource was developed to assist students and parents/guardians with navigating the new FAFSA process more easily. 


Click here for instructions on completing the FAFSA!




Get Your Class Of 2026 Sweatshirt

Senior families,
The PTSO is thrilled to add “Class of 2026” hoodies to our merchandise lineup! These sweatshirts are $35 and available by pre-order only through our virtual storefront:
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLJVP04K8A9XW/checkout/67D6UTVYF4622SKSVNLC3D52 (go here for our full storefront inventory: https://voyagerptsostore.square.site )
The storefront image only shows the backside of the hoodie, so here is a look at front and back. Get yours today!!




HELPFUL SITES AND RESOURCES


Stay Up-To-The-Minute With Your Student’s Grades: Become a “Parent Observer” on His/Her Canvas Account

Click here to become an “Observer” in your child’s Canvas account. Once there, you can set it up to receive notifications about upcoming assignments, and grades just entered, keeping you updated on progress, daily.



The Voyager Academy High School Website

One of the first places to check for basic information about VAHS is the VAHS website.  Among the information you can find there are calendars and schedules, student clubs and organizations, faculty directory, the counseling page, special bulletins, etc. Here is the VAHS website:

http://voyageracademy.net/vahs


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VAHS Counseling Department Blog

Please be sure to check the VAHS Counseling Department blog frequently. The blog provides news, information, and opportunities for VAHS students and parents all in one convenient location. Topics range from Career/College Counseling and Application Support to Summer Programs and Opportunities. Check it out!


CLICK HERE FOR THE VAHS COUNSELING DEPT. BLOG



How To Purchase Viking Gear

How to purchase Viking Gear!

https://www.voyagervikings.com/



Add The Voyager Academy Parent Calendar To Your Calendar

You can add the Voyager Academy Parent Calendar to your calendar. Go to the bottom of the page linked below for instructions:


VAHS Calendars and Schedules – Voyager Academy.



Voyager Academy Student/Parent Handbook



Important Dates


Dates

Events

Feb 9 - 13

VAHS Spirit Week! (click here for details)

Feb 13

Spirit Week Assembly (Click here for the bell schedule on this day) 

Feb 16

No School - Teacher workday

Feb 17

No School - Teacher workday

March 5

Mid term exams pds. 1 & 3

March 6

Mid term exams pds. 2 & 4

March 10

ACT exam (all 11th graders)

March 12

No School - Teacher workday

March 13

No School - Parent-teacher conferences

March 18

Report cards go out

March 23

2-3:15pm Project Exhibition Day

March 30 - April 6

Spring Break

April 10

Teachers alert parents of students w/grade below 60

May 4 - 15

AP Exams

May 14 - 15

Teacher made exams

May 18 - 19

EOC exams

May 20

Last day of VAHS classes

May 21

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES (CAROLINA THEATER)




VOYAGER VIKING VALUES

CONFIDENCE   -   CURIOSITY   -   EMPATHY

REFLECTION   -   INTEGRITY