GCA Hootworthy

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Omolade is GCA’s 2025 Valedictorian—but her story goes beyond grades. She’s an encourager, an athlete, and a future nurse with a mindset built on faith, hard work, and heart. In this episode, she shares how she stayed grounded, what helped her push through, and why showing up as yourself matters most. Enjoy the show.

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

Malaki didn’t even want to try Taekwondo at first. A year later, he’s undefeated and a national champ. In this episode, we talk about how he pushed past doubt, stayed focused under pressure, and built the mindset that took him from nervous beginner to confident competitor.

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

Lily didn’t grow up dreaming of aerial silks—she just decided to give it a shot. What started as a Christmas gift quickly turned into a passion, but the journey wasn’t easy. From failed first attempts (she’s not submitting video proof) to pushing past self-doubt in a room full of trained aerialists, Lily’s story is about persistence, creativity, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think. Tune in as she shares the highs, the struggles, and the unexpected lessons she’s taking with her as she heads to college. Because sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the drop—it’s deciding to climb in the first place.

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

Hootworthy Students Ellie and Arwen Soar at GCA’s 2024 Science and Social Studies Fair

Georgia Cyber Academy students Ellie and Arwen took home top honors for secondary grades at the 2024 Social Studies and Science Fair held at the Tellus Museum. Ellie’s science project explored how train weight impacts speed, while Arwen’s social studies project highlighted the innovations and impacts of World War I.

Inspiration Behind the Projects

Ellie was inspired by a video in class on electromagnetic trains and tested whether heavier or lighter trains would be faster. Surprisingly, the heavier train won. Arwen chose World War I because it’s less discussed than World War II and focused on its lasting impacts, including trench warfare, technological advances like tanks and submarines, and banned weapons like mustard gas.

Highlights of the Day

At the Tellus Museum, students set up their projects and had a chance to chat with classmates and parents. For virtual learners like Ellie and Arwen, meeting peers in person was a highlight. Ellie reconnected with a classmate who placed second, while Arwen met many classmates for the first time.

When the winners were announced, both were shocked. “I couldn’t believe it!” Ellie said, while Arwen admitted she was “shaking like crazy” when her name was called.

Advice for Future Participants

Arwen suggests, “Don’t overthink it—just have fun.” Ellie encourages students to be creative and unique with their ideas.

What They Love About GCA

Ellie appreciates GCA’s helpful teachers and variety of classes, while Arwen enjoys learning from home. Both agreed the fair was rewarding, especially meeting peers and seeing the Tellus Museum.

Congrats to Ellie and Arwen for their amazing achievements–stay Hootworthy!

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

In our recent Hootworthy interview, we chatted with Kayleigh, a 7th grader at GCA who's making waves in both the horse eventing and entrepreneurial worlds. Kayleigh started riding horses at the age of five, and her love for horses led her to the exciting sport of horse eventing. Her ten-year-old horse, Bold, has been her trusty companion for the past two years and is a big fan of the horse treats she makes.

Kayleigh's horse treats business began four years ago when she wanted to make special goodbye treats for a horse who was leaving. Using simple ingredients like flour, molasses, and royal icing, her treats are even safe for humans to eat. Friends loved her creations, and soon enough, she was selling treats at shows, via her website, and through Instagram. Kayleigh often walks around horse shows with a wagon full of treats, and her business thrives at these events.

For those unfamiliar with horse eventing, there are three phases: dressage, cross country, and show jumping. Kayleigh and Bold compete in dressage and show jumping but aren’t quite ready for cross-country, even though it’s Kayleigh’s favorite phase. She trains five days a week, working with her trainer to perfect their performance. Kayleigh's commitment to training paid off when she won a contest on Instagram, earning a chance to meet Canadian Equestrian Team athlete, Hawley Bennett-Awad, and her celebrity horse, Jolly Bo, at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, where she personally delivered her homemade treats. Check out this article that features her experience.

Balancing her schooling with her busy schedule, Kayleigh appreciates GCA's flexibility, allowing her to attend horse shows and catch up on classes through recordings. She gives a big shoutout to her supportive mom, her fantastic teachers, and of course, Bold, for making her achievements possible. Kayleigh's story is a true testament to what hard work and creativity can accomplish. Stay hootworthy, Kayleigh!

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

In our latest Hootworthy interview, we chatted with Abby, a 2023 GCA graduate who found great success through GCA's work-based learning program at Zaxby’s. Abby’s journey began in 10th grade when she started working at Zaxby’s and later joined the Work-Based Learning Program thanks to a teacher’s suggestion. This program allowed her to balance work and school effectively, earning credit hours while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

Abby set her sights on becoming an assistant manager and achieved that goal shortly after graduation. She chose Zaxby’s because she loved the brand, and the Work-Based Learning Program helped her grow as a worker while still attending school. Now, as an assistant manager, she’s responsible for leading a team of 8-10 people per shift, handling various challenges, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Her days are dynamic, with each day bringing new tasks and situations.

Balancing work and college, Abby works 35-45 hours a week, a feat she manages thanks to the skills she developed during high school. Reflecting on her high school experience, where she worked around 20 hours a week, Abby credits the Work-Based Learning Program with preparing her for her current schedule. She believes communication is key to leadership and stays open to dialogue with her team, leaders, and customers.

One of Abby’s most memorable moments was meeting Zack, the founder of Zaxby’s, who visited her store and had a meal. She advises students in work-based learning to go out and find a job, learn new skills, and enjoy the experience. For those who already have a job, she points out the benefits of earning credits while gaining work experience.

Looking ahead, Abby hopes to graduate from college and continue her career at Zaxby’s, potentially staying in the store. She gave a heartfelt shoutout to her school, the teacher who introduced her to the work-based learning program, and her company and boss for their support and guidance. Abby’s story is a great example of how work-based learning can lead to success and personal growth. Stay hootworthy, Abby

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

In our latest Hootworthy interview, GCA students Jack, Michael, Gabe, and Joey shared their exciting journey of becoming published authors. From adventurous frogs and missing brothers to a popcorn-obsessed boy and a fox finding its way home, their creative stories and unique challenges offer a glimpse into their imaginative worlds. Balancing school and writing, these young authors have shown that with drive and support, anything is possible.

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

In our latest Hootworthy interview, we caught up with Luke, a 10th grader at GCA, who’s making waves in the gymnastics world. Luke is not just any gymnast; he competes in Trampoline, Double-Mini, and Tumbling at the Junior Elite level. With only three other athletes in the U.S. achieving this level across all three events, Luke’s accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary. You can check out Luke’s bio here.

One of Luke’s standout achievements is being crowned the 2023 Tumbling National Champion at the USA Gymnastics Championships. He also earned a spot on the 2024 U.S. Junior National Tumbling Team, and he’s currently ranked 4th in the world in Tumbling for his age group—an impressive feat he secured at the World Age Group Championships in Birmingham, UK. Despite his rigorous training schedule, which includes three-hour daily practices and intense speed programs, Luke manages to balance his academics thanks to the flexibility GCA offers. He often squeezes in schoolwork during lunch breaks and appreciates how understanding his teachers are about his schedule.

Luke’s journey into gymnastics began when his mom signed him up for a parkour class to help him manage his OCD. A gym coach spotted his potential, and the rest is history. Even with a few stumbles—like the time he fractured his ankle at the gym—Luke has remained committed to mastering gymnastics. Making the national team was his most memorable moment, but he admits to often tripping right after nailing a solid routine.

Looking ahead, Luke has his sights set on competing in the Olympics for Trampoline and the World Games for Tumbling. He advises aspiring gymnasts to expect to fall a lot, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Learn from the falls, get back up, and keep going. With his achievements and the support from GCA, Luke’s story is a testament to what commitment and tenacity can achieve. Stay Hootworthy, Luke!

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

In our recent Hootworthy episode, we caught up with Yusuf, GCA's 2024 Valedictorian. He shared some interesting insights into his journey to the top, what motivates him, and his future plans.

Yusuf’s uniqueness stems from his drive for excellence, rooted in his search for deeper meaning in life because he believes you can’t have excellence without purpose. He grounds his purpose in his faith and in making a positive impact on society. Despite facing personal challenges like his mom's battle with cancer during 9th grade, Yusuf remains focused on his goals and stays positive.

Outside of his studies, Yusuf enjoys unwinding with hobbies like jogging or gardening–anything that helps clear his mind. Reflecting on his time at GCA, he values the unique learning environment that fosters continual discussions between classmates and teachers, allowing for a deeper understanding of the material.

Looking ahead, Yusuf is determined to pursue a career in medicine, aspiring to become an oncologist. He's driven by the opportunity to directly help others and make a meaningful impact through his knowledge and experience. When it comes to advice for his classmates, Yusuf emphasizes the importance of starting with self-improvement before trying to change the world. It's this grounded perspective that continues to guide him on his journey to success.

Yusuf's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the importance of perseverance, purpose, and self-improvement. As he begins his journey towards becoming an oncologist, we can't help but admire his determination to make a difference. Before we wrap up the interview, Yusuf extends a heartfelt shoutout to his parents, counselors, teachers, and brothers for their unwavering support and encouragement. With their guidance and his purposefulness, Yusuf is destined for greatness.Stay hootworthy, Yusuf!

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

Send us Fan Mail

In our latest Hootworthy podcast episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Noah, who recently earned the title of Sumter County Fire Rescue Post #343 Explorer of the Year. He noted that this award means that if he works hard, then he can accomplish great things in fire rescue. Noah's journey reveals that a strong purpose and work ethic can lead to success.

Joining the fire department's explorer program and training for firefighting and emergency medical services was a thrill for Noah. Inspired by his great grandfather and the work of local firefighters, he welcomed the journey with enthusiasm and grit. He also noted how grateful he was for the relationships formed and mentors gained along the way.

Winning the title of Explorer of the Year highlights Noah's hard work, positive attitude, and dedication. From mastering firefighting techniques to practicing his skills in first aid, Noah's commitment to service shines. He shared with us his experiences, such as using the jaws of life, putting on firefighting gear in less than two minutes, practicing communication drills, and learning how to interact well with others in a hierarchy, showcasing the variety of the program.

As Noah continues his journey towards becoming a firefighter and EMT, his story serves as an example and inspiration for others who would like to pursue a career in firefighting and emergency medical services. Noah sent shoutouts to his friends, family members, and leaders in the explorer program for all the help he has received. Congratulations again to Noah on this well-deserved honor, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Stay Hootworthy, Noah!

Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a Hoot
We spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.

Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.

Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.