GCA Hootworthy Georgia Cyber Academy

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!

In the latest episode of Hootworthy, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Emalee, an eighth-grader at GCA who is making waves in the world of horse barrel racing. Inspired by her love for horses and the thrill of the rodeo, Emalee embarked on her barrel racing journey in 2020 after attending a rodeo and being captivated by the event's speed and daring nature.
For Emalee, barrel racing isn't just about racing around barrels; it's about building a deep connection with her horse, Yuma. Leading up to each event, Emalee spends as much time as possible with Yuma, getting in the zone and practicing the cloverleaf pattern that defines barrel racing competitions.
Despite the challenges and pressures of competition, Emalee remains focused on her goals and aspirations. With dreams of turning pro and competing in lucrative rodeos, she's continuously working to improve her time and skill, aiming to shave off those crucial seconds to reach the professional level.
When asked about her experience at GCA, Emalee highlights the flexibility the school offers, allowing her to balance her academic studies with her passion for barrel racing seamlessly. She's grateful for the support of her teachers, Ms. Schools and Ms. Woodson, who have played a pivotal role.
Your GCA family is rooting for you, Emalee, as you continue chasing your dreams in the world of barrel racing! Stay hootworthy, Emalee!

In our most recent Hootworthy podcast episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ms. Marian Hoyt, GCA's 2023 Teacher of the Year. With over a decade of teaching experience, including three years at GCA, Ms. Hoyt brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom.
When asked about her time-travel destination, Ms. Hoyt’s imagination took her back to the 1700s in the United States. She envisioned herself amidst the passionate debates surrounding the Constitution, intrigued by the historical significance and relevance of the discussions.
Ms. Hoyt’s journey into teaching was deeply rooted in childhood dreams of playing school and educating her stuffed animals. It was her high school AP English teacher's unwavering passion for teaching that ultimately inspired her to pursue a teaching degree at Georgia State University.
Despite the challenges of balancing coursework and a full-time job, Ms. Hoyt persevered, landing a long-term substitute position before securing a full-time teaching role. Her favorite aspect of teaching lies in the connections she forms with her students, from heartfelt conversations to unexpected gestures like a student making her a small chair as a token of appreciation.
Although Ms. Hoyt’s expertise lies in teaching ELA and SS, if she could teach something else for a day, she'd opt for math, drawn to its logical and problem-solving aspects. Her advice for fellow educators, students, and parents at GCA emphasizes the importance of communication, participation, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, Ms. Hoyt enjoys outdoor adventures, hiking, and quality time with her furry companion. She expresses gratitude for the unwavering support of her colleagues and leadership team, whose guidance has been instrumental in her teaching journey.
Ms. Hoyt's dedication to her students and her enthusiasm for education make her a standout teacher at GCA. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of teaching and the enduring impact educators have on shaping young minds. Stay Hootworthy, Ms. Hoyt!

In our latest Hootworthy episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Autumn, an eighth-grader at GCA who is also a compassionate cat rescuer. Her journey into the world of cat rescuing began when a family property became a refuge for a feral cat colony. Autumn, alongside her grandmother, embarked on a mission to rescue kittens and prepare them for their forever homes.
With three years of professional cat rescue experience and a total of eight years dedicated to the cause, Autumn shared the details of their approach. For feral cats, the goal is to catch, spay or neuter, and release, unless the feline can be tamed for eventual adoption. The methods involve live traps, strategically designed metal boxes with enticing food, and a drop trap for more elusive subjects.
Autumn shed light on the heartwarming efforts to find suitable homes for non-feral cats after spaying or neutering. From rescuing multiple kittens at once to daring escapades, like retrieving a lost kitten stuck in a tree near a dog park, every experience in cat rescue has left an unforgettable mark.
A poignant lesson Autumn shared was the importance of not judging someone's circumstances, a wisdom gleaned from her cat-rescue endeavors. As she navigates her eighth-grade year at GCA, Autumn appreciates the flexibility the school provides, allowing her to seamlessly balance education with her passion for cats.
Autumn, your dedication to rescuing our feline friends is commendable! Keep up the fantastic work, stay hootworthy, and continue making a positive impact in the lives of these furry companions.

In our latest Hootworthy podcast episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Braylen, a talented 10th grader who crafts captivating Lego stop-motion films. We first discovered Braylen's skill when he submitted a video for GCA's Got Talent, our annual virtual showcase. Little did we know, he already had a collection of over 130 videos on his YouTube channel, Epic Brick Films.
Braylen's stop-motion process involves detailed steps: constructing sets, selecting figurines, scripting stories (or improvising), and meticulously capturing each frame. His talent show submission, a two-minute video, required a six-hour effort—a testament to his dedication. Over four years into creating Brick films, Braylen utilizes simple yet effective equipment like his phone, a tripod, and editing software, showcasing content ranging from Marvel and Star Wars to DC Comics and original concepts.
When asked which character he'd bring to life, Braylen chose the Mandalorian for an exciting armor-building day, including a jet-pack of course! Yet, his craft isn't without challenges; managing lighting nuances is crucial to avoid shadows and flickers that could compromise a shot. Offering advice to GCA students, Braylen emphasizes perseverance and pushing through challenges.
For Braylen, GCA's greatest perk is the ability to work without distractions, a conducive environment for his creative endeavors. As he gears up for next year's GCA's Got Talent, Braylen sends shoutouts to his supportive parents and brother. You can catch a glimpse of his impressive work on his YouTube channel, Epic Brick Films. Thanks for representing GCA so well, Braylen, and stay Hootworthy!

On the latest episode of Hootworthy, we had the pleasure of hosting Shawna, a 2023 graduate of GCA, who achieved 3rd place at the 4-H State Congress competition during the summer. In our conversation, we explored the world of 4-H youth clubs and the valuable experiences they offer. These clubs delve into a wide array of subjects, from STEM to healthy living and leadership, providing numerous opportunities for young learners to compete and engage in exciting activities.
Shawna's journey into the 4-H world was unique. Typically starting
in the 5th grade, she managed to get involved earlier due to her older
brother's participation, often attending meetings with him. Her initial
motivation for joining 4-H was to find social opportunities, as she confessed
to being a bit shy in her earlier days. 4-H played a pivotal role in helping
her overcome her shyness, connect with people, and build lasting friendships.
One of her most cherished experiences was as a teen leader at Rock Eagle.
While Shawna's journey through 4-H brought her numerous life
lessons, one of the most valuable was the art of public speaking. In fact, many
of the 4-H competitions she participated in revolved around public speaking
opportunities, which reinforced her communication skills and boosted her
confidence.
The 4-H State Congress competition, where Shawna achieved 3rd
place, is no small feat to reach. Participants typically need to win at
sweepstakes or place at district competition to earn their spot. Shawna's
ticket to the State Congress was her 2nd place victory at district competition.
For this competition, Shawna showcased her crochet skills while presenting her
beautiful, crocheted figurines. The competition itself took place in a hotel
and spanned several days.
During her journey, she practiced her speech with a friend on the
first night, then faced a panel of judges on the second day, answering their
questions and delivering her presentation. The competition ended on a high note
with a silent disco, where everyone, winners, and participants alike, danced
the night away with headphones on. Winners were announced at the end of the
night, and to Shawna’s excitement, she heard her name ringing out as the 3rd
place winner, a well-deserved recognition of her talent and hard work.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Shawna reflected on her time as
a GCA student. She highlighted the unique privilege of attending school in the
comfort of her own home, often in her pajamas—a freedom that made her academic
journey more enjoyable. Shawna also expressed her deep appreciation for the
teachers who supported her. In addition, she gave a heartfelt shoutout to her
mentors in Polk County 4-H, Williams and Ridgeway, who encouraged her to
explore her potential and discover her passion for crochet. This was the
beginning of her road to the State Congress, a journey that she'll cherish for
a lifetime. Stay hootworthy, Shawna!