Loudoun County Public Schools hosted a regional screening of the documentary “Multiple Choice” at the Academies of Loudoun on April 17. The event also featured a student showcase focused on Career and Technical Education experiences, as well as a panel discussion with staff, students, and business partners.
The topic is important because it addresses how schools can provide more options for students beyond the traditional college path. For many years, American education has pushed a college-for-all agenda that left some graduates with limited choices: either face the cost and risk of college or take low-wage jobs. In Winchester, Virginia, Superintendent Dr. Jason Van Heukelum has shown how career-based learning can be central to every student’s education.
“The ‘Multiple Choice’ screening and panel discussion emphasized that a future-ready education means fostering both college readiness and hands-on, CTE pathways, ensuring every student has options and opportunity to discover interests,” said Dr. Ashley Ellis, Chief Academic Officer for Loudoun County Public Schools. “I was inspired to see school leaders, families and business partners come together to engage in this important conversation.”
The panel was moderated by Dr. William Hazel of Claude Moore Opportunities. Panelists included Dr. Aaron Spence (Superintendent of LCPS), Dr. Jason Van Heukelum (Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools), Lisa Marie Horvatinovich (Northrup Grumman; LCPS CTEAC Chair), Kasi Horvatinovich (junior at Tuscarora High School), Kristin Carter (Associate Director of Dual Enrollment at NVCC), and Dr. Michael Grubbs (Director of Career and Technical Education at LCPS).
The film “Multiple Choice” follows students in Winchester’s Innovation Center as they explore careers while building skills for both traditional jobs and those in new industries amid ongoing changes in technology.
