Finding Balance on and off the Slopes: Meet GWUOHS Student-Athlete Chip

For many student-athletes, balancing academics with a demanding training schedule can feel impossible. But for Chip Paglen, a student at George Washington University Online High School (GWUOHS), flexibility and determination have made it possible to pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the mountain.

Currently ranked #1 in the United States for U16 Men’s Super Giant Slalom (SG) and #6 in Giant Slalom (GS) by the United States Ski & Snowboard Association, Chip is already making a name for himself in competitive skiing. Despite his intense training and travel schedule, Chip remains a straight-A honors student who stays actively involved in school clubs and regularly connects with his advisor each week.

“GWUOHS is so flexible, which is why I picked it,” Chip shared. “It’s great! I ski six days a week, and I can take my computer with me and do school wherever I am.”

Chip’s journey at GWUOHS started after attending a private school that did not offer a high school program. He knew he needed a high school that would allow him to continue pursuing his athletic goals while receiving a top tier education.

Chip splits his time between Vermont and Long Island. During the winter, Chip spends much of his time training with the Franconia Ski Club at the US Ski Team’s Mittersill Performance Center at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire. Skiing has been part of his life since he was five years old, and he began racing competitively at age eight.

While skiing is a major focus, it is far from Chip’s only passion. He is also deeply involved in Scouts BSA and is currently working toward earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank. As a Life Scout in Troop 007, he has already completed nearly all of the required leadership training and merit badges, including lifesaving, first aid, camping, cooking, personal fitness, and citizenship in the nation.

“You have to do a lot of the work independently, like giving speeches or writing letters to elected officials about an issue that concerns you,” he explained. “But I’ve made a whole bunch of new friends through Scouts.”

Outside of skiing and academics, Chip enjoys mountain biking during the summer and sailing for fun. Even with such a busy schedule, he continues to find ways to explore his academic interests through GWUOHS.

His favorite subject is science, particularly Earth science, and one of his favorite experiences at school has been participating in the science fair. Combining his love for skiing with his curiosity for experimentation, Chip designed a project focused on testing ski waxes to determine which performs the fastest on the slopes.

“I’m conducting the experiment myself, although I received advice from industry professionals and also involved my coach,” he said enthusiastically. “As a ski racer, I thought I knew most everything about going fast on snow. This experiment not only taught me about the scientific process, but it also helped me understand how incredibly complex it is to choose the best ski wax for the many different conditions racers face.”

Chip also participates in the school’s cooking and baking clubs and appreciates the support he receives from his Academic Advisor, Mrs. Hunolt, who helps him stay organized while balancing academics and athletics.

“Our classes are synchronous, so you really get to know your teachers and having an involved Academic Advisor like Mrs. Hunolt is the key to what makes this school different from other online high schools.”

Chip’s skiing career has already taken him around the world. He traveled to Austria in November for training and may head to France this summer as he continues competing at an elite level. Looking ahead, Chip hopes to continue skiing after graduation and pursue the sport at an even higher level.

When asked what advice he would give to other students considering online school, his answer was simple: “Do it! It’s amazing, especially if you have passions outside of academics.”

Chip’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when students are given the flexibility and support to pursue their goals. Whether he’s racing down the mountain, completing honors coursework, or working toward Eagle Scout, Chip continues to demonstrate the determination, discipline, and drive that make GWUOHS students truly exceptional.