Move over Tony Hawk. At the age of 11, Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA) student Nate Paugh is well on his way to a professional skateboarding career.
Nate, or Lil Nate, as he’s known in the skateboarding community, got noticed by sponsors when he was just eight years old. And it was his YouTube videos that did it. He now competes in at least six competitions a year—many of them requiring him to travel across the country.
In order to accommodate his busy skating schedule, his mother Toni decided to switch him to an online school. With VAVA, Nate is able to do work on the road and avoid falling behind in school as he travels. He can also skate five to eight hours a day and still make the honor roll.
Nate has aspirations to become a professional skateboarder. Having already secured sponsorships, he’s well on his way. But he isn’t just in it for the money. Mom Toni says her son told her, “I want to be known, I want to be recognized. I want people to know who I am.”
To see some of his moves, check out his video on YouTube.
[embedvideo id=”ZPClnevX124?rel=0″ website=”youtube”]
You can read about other successful online students who have excelled both academically and in their hobbies and future careers.
Image courtesy of the Paugh family.
Related Articles
![Family Image with drums](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LLO_Blog_Article_Teaching-Black-History-Through-Art-150x100.jpg)
The Power of Art: Teaching Black History Through Music, Theatre, and Visual Expression
![Adult student image](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/How_Am_I_PayForCollege-150x100.jpg)
How Am I Going to Pay for College?
![School Choice](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/School-Choice-150x100.jpg)
National School Choice Week: What Parents Need to Know
![Student wearing headset on laptop](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Tutor-150x100.jpg)
A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Great Tutor
![Adult and student image](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LLO_Goal_Setting-150x100.jpg)
Smart Goals for Students: Unlock Your Full Potential
![Cook-off parfait photo](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LLO_Cook-off_Blog2-150x100.jpg)
3 Easy School Snack Recipes Every Parent Will Love
![Student at laptop writing](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LLO_Blog_Article_Writing_Prompts-150x100.jpg)
Writing Prompts for Kids to Spark Creativity: Fun and Engaging Ideas
![Adult helping student](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FY25_Struggling-in-School_LLO_Banner_3000x2000_01-150x100.jpg)
Is Your Kid Struggling in School? Practical Steps to Turn Things Around
![Cooking Skills: Whisking](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LLO_Blog_Article_CookingSkills-150x100.jpg)
Cooking Skills: Whisking Up Wisdom and Life Learning
![K12 Cook Off 1](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Blog-1-approved-image-150x101.jpg)
5 Tips for Helping Your Kid Learn Cooking Skills (Without turning your kitchen into chaos!)
![A student works with an online tutor to create an outline for their essay.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144294-150x100.jpg)
How to Write an Effective Outline for High School Essays
![Two parents help their children with homework.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Your-Guide-to-Homeschool-Success-150x100.jpg)
Your Guide to Homeschool Success
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FY25_Web_Banner_6-Ways-to-Combat-Test-Anxiety_Static_3000 x 2000_102124_V1-150x100.jpg)
6 Ways to Help Your Child Combat Test Anxiety
![A girl lounges comfortably as she studies on her laptop.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FY25_Web_Banner_5-Ways-to-Manage-Academic-Stress-Anxiety_Static_3000 x 2000_100424_V1-150x100.jpg)
5 Expert Tips to Manage Academic Stress
![Students planning](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FY24_Web_Banner_LLOBanner2_Static_3000x2000_090824_V1-1-150x100.jpg)
How Robotics Opens Doors to Promising Careers
![A young boy wearing glasses and a yellow shirt holds a book while looking at his computer screen](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FY25_Web_Thumbnail_Why-Online-Schools-Are-a-Great-Option-for-Students-with-Special-Needs_Static_745 x 400_100424_V1-150x81.jpg)
5 Reasons Families Choose Online School for Special Education
![Student Gamer](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FY25_Web_Banner_5-Reasons-Why-Game-Based-Learning-is-the-Future-of-Education_Static_3000 x 2000_101124_V1-150x100.png)
From Bored to Engaged: 7 Ways Game-Based Learning Keeps Your Child Motivated
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Header-Image-LearningLiftoffpng-150x81.png)
Get your plans organized with our new daily and monthly planners
![Parent Helping Child With Homework](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FY24_Web_Banner_ShouldParentsHelpTheirKidsWithHomework_Static_2048 x 1377_091624_V1-1-150x101.jpg)
Should Parents Help with Homework?
![Military Family](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FY24_Web_Banner_Unique-Challenges-of-Military-Students_Static_2048 x 1377_090924_V1-1-1-150x101.jpg)
Helping Your Military Kids Thrive: Navigating Their Unique Challenges
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HispanicHeritageArticleHeader_2-150x101.png)
Weaving Two Worlds: A New Parent’s Perspective on Passing Down Latin Traditions
![A child builds on his LEGO creation at a desk](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FY24_Web_Banner_SFun-and-Creative-Ways-to-Encourage-Your-Student-to-Study-at-Home_Static_2048 x 1377_090924_V1-1-150x101.jpg)
Study Smarter, Not Harder: 9 Ways to Make Studying More Fun
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FY24_Web_Banner_Advice-for-Writing-A-Resume_Static_2048 x 1377_082324_V1-1-150x101.jpg)
Helping Your Teen Craft Their First Resume: A Parent’s Guide
![A student preparing for the online school day](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FY24_Web_Banner_6-Ways-Online-Learning-Transforms-the-Academic-Journey_Static_2048 x 1377_090924_V1-150x101.jpg)
Six Ways Online Learning Transforms the Academic Journey
![Parent and Student writing](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FY24_Web_Banner_How-To-Encourage-A-Love-For-Writing_Static_2048 x 1377_082624_V1-1-1-150x101.jpg)
Encouraging Kids to Love Writing: Fun Activities to Spark Creativity
![Two students playing music in their online class.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/FY24_Web_Banner_5-Turn-Up-The-Music-the-Benefits-of-Music-in-Classrooms_Static_2048 x 1377_082324_V1-150x101.jpg)
Turn Up the Music: The Benefits of Music in Classrooms
![Parent and child hugging](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY24_Web_Banner_How-To-Prevent-Bullying-Behavior_Static_2048 x 1377_081224_V1-1-150x101.jpg)
How to Create a Bully-Free Zone
![Student playing with LEGOs](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY24_Web_Banner_How-To-Combat-Student-Stress_Static_2048 x 1377_081224_V1-150x101.jpg)
A Parent’s Guide to Managing and Reducing Student Stress
![A smiling boy lays in the grass reading a book](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY24_Web_Celebrating-Diversity-and-Culture-Through-Literature_Static_2048 x 1377_081224_V1-150x101.jpg)
15 Must-Read Books this Hispanic Heritage Month
![Student with glasses sitting on couch](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY24_Web_Banner_5FactorsthatAffectLearning_Static_2048 x 1377_071524_V1-1-150x101.jpg)
5 Factors That Affect Learning: Insights for Parents
![College Student with glasses](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY24_Meta_Feed_Things-Your-High-School-Student-Should-do-this-Fall-for-College-Prep_Static_1080 x 1080_071524_V1-150x101.jpg)
Navigating the College Application Process: A Timeline for High School Students and Their Parents
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145354-150x100.jpg)
Education Online? One Family’s Success Story
![A father sits with his daughter at a desk with a laptop in front of them. She smiles as he helps her with her online schooling.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FY24_Web_Banner_TipsForChoosingtheRightSchoolforYourChild_Static_2048 x 1377_072924_V1-150x101.jpg)
Tips for Choosing the Right School for Your Child
![women's volleyball team](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/FY24_Web_Banner_CanOnlineStudentsPlayinPublicSports_Static_2048 x 1377_071524_V1-1-150x101.jpg)
Can Homeschooled Students Play School Sports?
![A young boy comes up for a breath as he swims down the lane of a pool](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FY24_Web_Banner_BenefitsofOnlineLearningforStudentAthletes_Static_2048 x 1377_071524_V1-150x101.png)
Enhance Your Student-Athlete’s Competitive Edge with Online Schooling
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FY24_Web_Banner_BacktoSchool_Static_6000 × 4000_070824_V1-1-150x100.jpg)
Preparing for the First Day of Online School
![A student learns to play the piano](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-yan-krukau-8520474-150x100.jpg)
Why Arts Education is Important in School
![A young girl holds a pink folder and wears a blue backpack while leaning against lockers at her school.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/biracial-girl-with-a-purple-backpack-smiles-by-sch-2024-03-15-17-41-37-utc-150x100.jpg)
5 Ways to Start the School Year with Confidence
![A young girl in classes shows off her school lesson on a tablet. Sitting next to her is a stack of books with an apple on top.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/black-girl-showing-pad-screen-having-video-chat-w-2023-11-27-05-31-41-utc-150x98.jpg)
Top Four Reasons Families Are Choosing Online School in the Upcoming Year
![Girl writing on a whiteboard](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/a177b93e-51e2-40c4-9f8f-3cff0227eca4-150x100.jpg)
Tips for Scheduling Your Online School Day
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/schoolgirl-with-backpack-in-hand-stationery-store-2023-11-27-04-53-13-utc-150x100.jpg)
The Ultimate Back-to-School List for Online and Traditional School
![A girl lays on a living room rug, listening to an audiobook with headphones. Her parents are sitting behind her on the couch, looking on.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/child-headphones-and-tablet-on-floor-in-home-educ-2023-11-27-05-19-09-utc-150x100.jpg)
Best Children’s Audiobooks Free
![Family camping outdoors](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FY24_LLOBanner_Static_6453x4170_061224_V1-1-150x97.jpg)
7 Fun Outdoor Summer Activities for Kids
![a young boy looks at a glass case display featuring a lighthouse](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-tanya-gorelova-2199357-3934194-150x100.jpg)
Beat the Summer Slide: Tips for Keeping Young Minds Active
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/children-play-pop-it-on-the-street-selective-focu-2023-11-27-05-23-18-utc-1-150x100.jpg)
Easy Science Experiments For Kids To Do At Home This Summer
![A teen male in a yellow shirt sits in front of his computer at home.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144144-150x100.jpg)
5 Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Online Learning
![Teenage girl looking sad in the park](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/portrait-of-sad-unhappy-thinking-teen-girl-lying-o-2023-11-27-05-08-55-utc-1-150x100.jpg)
How Parents Can Prevent Isolation and Loneliness During Summer Break
![teacher appreciation gift](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/desk-with-a-gift-and-notepad-2023-11-27-05-24-41-utc-150x100.jpg)
Gifts for Teachers
![A girl plays in a moving box while her parents unpack in their new home.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pexels-cottonbro-studio-4569306-150x100.jpg)
Six Ways Online Schools Can Support Military Families
![A group of high school graduates stand together with their diplomas](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-of-multiracial-group-of-students-joining-t-2023-11-27-05-37-25-utc-150x100.jpg)
Countdown to Graduation: How to Prepare for the Big Day
![Kids lay in the grass together](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/children-of-different-races-and-nationalities-lie-2023-11-27-05-21-23-utc-150x89.jpg)
5 Major Benefits of Summer School
![A girl reads a poem in a green book with a slightly confused look on her face.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-karolina-grabowska-8147357-150x100.jpg)
Types of Poems
![A mom comforts her daughters while sitting on the couch](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/black-mother-embracing-teenage-daughter-2023-11-27-05-30-43-utc-150x100.jpg)
A Parent’s Guide to Tough Conversations
![A boy lays down to read a book in a library](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/side-view-of-a-caucasian-schoolboy-lying-on-sofa-a-2023-11-27-05-06-09-utc-150x100.jpg)
From Books to Tech: Why Libraries Are Still Important in the Digital Age
![A young student uses virtual reality to explore a new universe](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/resized-150x100.jpg)
The Evolution of Learning: How Education is Transforming for Future Generations
![A child discovers the magic of reading](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3755707-150x100.jpg)
The Ultimate Guide to Reading Month: 4 Top Reading Activities for Kids
![A teacher greets parents at a parent-teacher conference](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pexels-kampus-production-5940831-150x100.jpg)
30 Questions to Ask at Your Next Parent-Teacher Conference
![A student works on equations on a chalkboard.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pexels-yan-krukau-8617634-150x100.jpg)
Is Your Child Ready for Advanced Learning? Discover Your Options.
![Two children use cookie cutters and a rolling pin to make holiday cookie cutouts.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-nathan-j-hilton-10634585-150x84.jpg)
Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun and Activities
![A young girl hangs out of a moving box while her parents unpack at their new house.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-cottonbro-studio-4569304-150x100.jpg)
Good Reasons to Switch Classes in Middle School
![A parent helps their child with their online school.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4145355-150x93.jpg)
A Parent’s Guide to Switching Schools Midyear
![A student holds her notebook and pen while standing in front of her chalkboard at home with her study schedule written on it.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4143799-150x100.jpg)
Building Strong Study Habits: Back-to-School Edition
![Young girl leans against a fence at school while looking at her cell phone.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-mary-taylor-5896501-150x100.jpg)
How to Get Ahead of Cyberbullying
![A mother comforts her child by gently touching his head and speaking to him.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-kindel-media-8550841-150x113.jpg)
Bullying’s Effect on Students and How to Help
![A teen girl hides behind a brick wall at school out of sight from two boys.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-keira-burton-6147156-150x100.jpg)
Bullying Signs
![A teen male in a yellow shirt sits in front of his computer at home.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144144-150x100.jpg)
Could the Online Classroom Be the Solution to Bullying?
![A young girl watches as her mom smiles toward her cell phone.](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-4867670-150x98.jpg)
Bullying Prevention Starts With Parents
![professional surfing](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Laird-Myers-surfing-150x80.jpg)
Online Student Eyes Professional Surfing Career
![](https://learningliftoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/DayInTheLife-150x80.jpg)