Washington, D.C., March 2, 2000 - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its Year 2000 Distance Learning Awards at a ceremony held in conjunction with TeleCon East/IDLCON 2000, the premier conference and exposition for the distance learning industry. Thirteen awards were given to distance learning professionals, organizations and companies for excellence in teaching, excellence in programming and outstanding individual achievements.

The USDLA awards program was created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those instructors, programs, and distance learning professionals who have achieved excellence in the field. Categories include Higher Education, K-12 Education, Government, Corporate/Business and Healthcare & Telemedicine.

The Florida Virtual School was recognized as follows:

Excellence in Distance Learning Programming - K-12: The Florida Virtual School in Orlando, Florida, The school has designed and developed an online "any time, any place, any path, any pace" environment which creates a bridge among educational systems in Florida. The school serves the rural dweller, full-time worker, handicapped learner, or any other learner. Supported through a state grant for three years, The Florida Virtual School offers 51 courses to more than 2,000 students.

Julie Young, the Florida Virtual School Executive Director, was also recognized as follows:

Most Outstanding Achievement by an Individual in K-12 Education: Julie E. Young, Principal of the Florida Virtual School in Orlando, Florida. With passion, determination and a clear vision of what an online learning environment should be, Young's dedicated leadership has inspired teachers to create integrated, interactive, real world cybercurriculum. In three years, the staff has developed 51 dynamic courses and currently serves 2,200 students.

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