La Porte High School freshman Melissa Hinojosa was one of six students selected to serve on a student panel at the Virtual School Symposium 2009. The event, sponsored by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), was held on Nov. 16 at the Hilton Downtown Convention Center Hotel in Austin.

Melissa participated in a discussion on online learning led by Susan Patrick, iNACOL chief executive officer. Student participants were asked questions about the online classes they have taken, including how online learning has made a difference in their education and how it has helped them to prepare for their future.

Over 1,200 individuals were present during the student panel discussion, according to LPISD Board of Trustees Vice President Jim Schul, who attended the conference.

" Melissa did an outstanding job of representing La Porte ISD at the Virtual School Symposium, and I am so proud of her," Schul said.