A California Virtual Academies (CAVA) student was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times De Los section for balancing online learning with life as a fifth-generation circus performer.
The article spotlighted 13-year-old Francesco Caballero, a finalist in the nationwide K12 Talent Showdown, who is currently traveling throughout Southern California, performing with his family’s Caballero Circus. Francesco performs juggling acts, plays trumpet, and participates in the “Globe of Death” motorcycle stunt alongside members of his family. The story also explored the Caballero family’s long history in the circus industry, dating back generations in Mexico, and Francesco’s personal journey overcoming childhood leukemia before pursuing his dream of performing professionally.
California Virtual Academies and K12 were both highlighted throughout the article, including a link to the K12 Talent Showdown landing page ahead of the national finals competition on June 8. Published in the Los Angeles Times De Los section, which focuses on Latino stories and experiences, the feature reached the publication’s audience of 14.5 million readers and was additionally syndicated on AOL.com.
The coverage highlighted how virtual learning can support students pursuing unique passions and professional opportunities outside of a traditional classroom setting while also showcasing Francesco’s dedication to preserving his family’s performance legacy.