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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.