NC Cyber December 2025 Newsletter

Hello Owls!

As we close out the Fall 2025 semester, we want to congratulate all of our students, families, teachers, and staff on a successful and inspiring first half of the school year. Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to learning have been evident in everything you’ve accomplished, and we are incredibly proud of our NC Cyber Owls community.

We want to extend a special congratulations to our December 2025 High School graduates! We sure hope you'll join us at our in-person graduation ceremony on May 21, 2026 at the McKimmon Center on the N.C. State campus in Raleigh.

As we enter this special season, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the upcoming New Year. May this holiday season bring you joy, rest, and time with the people who matter most.

This is a reminder that the North Carolina Cyber Academy will be closing the afternoon of Thursday, December 18, and we will be closed through Monday, January 5 for students. Monday, January 5 is a required teacher workday for staff.

We will begin our spring 2026 semester for students on the morning of Tuesday, January 6.

Thank you for being part of the North Carolina Cyber Academy family. We look forward to an exciting and rewarding spring semester in 2026! We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester on Tuesday, January 6!

On the morning of Tuesday, November 25, Dr. Bunch’s elementary class at the North Carolina Cyber Academy were treated to a highly entertaining and informative presentation!

Cruz Medina, a meteorologist with ABC-11 Eyewitness News in Durham, North Carolina, joined Dr. Bunch’s fourth graders to talk about weather.

Cruz shared his journey from childhood fascination with storms to becoming a TV meteorologist. He highlighted his educational path, including an internship at ABC 11 and previous meteorologist roles in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Nashville, Tennessee prior to returning to North Carolina.

“My grandpa lived out in the countryside of Wilson County. His house didn't really have a lot of trees around it, and so we could see for miles off in the distance,” Mr. Medina explained. “And sometimes during the spring and summer, I would sit and watch storms with him for hours. So I actually credit my grandpa with my interest or fascination with weather. And basically, from that young age, I knew that I had to do something with weather.”

His presentation covered the tools and techniques used in forecasting, such as weather stations, satellites, and Doppler radar. He emphasized the importance of understanding low and high pressure systems, fronts, and the role of rising air in generating storms.

“We look at many different things to decide if it's going to rain, if it's going to be sunny, what the temperature is going to be like,” Mr. Medina said. “But aside from doing that, I have to put together my own graphics that you would see on TV or streaming or social media. I have to update the websites. We make videos for our apps. We send out radio updates to some of our radio partners. We do streaming hits because not everyone is watching traditional TV anymore.”

Students got to ask Mr. Medina questions about tornado safety and other weather-related topics, and he demonstrated how strong winds affect hail size.

A very special thank you to Cruz Medina of ABC 11 Eyewitness News for taking time to share his passion for weather with our students!

Students in Mrs. Donham’s fourth grade class at the NC Cyber Elementary School had the opportunity to write a letter to a veteran and then deliver it to them. Here is a picture of Naomi Surrett with her neighbor, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Way to go Elementary students for showing such pride in our country and respecting our heroes in honor of Veterans Day!

3rd Grade students in Mrs. Brickey’s and Mrs. Matthew’s math classes recently completed a project following their unit on area and perimeter. Each student was given either the area or perimeter for each part of a robot and was tasked with designing their robot based on these requirements.

Students were encouraged to use their creativity, and many even added special features to accompany their robots. Their teachers are very proud of the students for demonstrating their understanding through this project.

Aika Fernando, a 1st grader at the North Carolina Cyber Academy, played Christmas music at the Cultural Center in downtown Greensboro on Friday, December 5th. This was part of the First Friday celebrations that are held weekly in Greensboro. Her teacher, Ms. Allegra Gicla, is beside her in the videos.

Watch and listen to her performance below:

A parent of one of our 1st grade students wanted to give a Shout Out to Azalea Tucker's teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Davis, for the outstanding work she's done this semester with their child:

I just wanted to give a teacher shout out to Mrs.Davis for the newsletter. I appreciate the way that she goes above and beyond to make every student feel included in any activities given.

This is my daughter's first year at NCCA and I love the teacher that was assigned.

---Dalexus Tucker (Azalea Tucker’s Parent)

A parent of one of our 1st grade students wanted to give a Shout Out to Anna Sean's teacher, Mrs. Green, for the outstanding work she's done this semester with her child:

I would like to send a Shout Out for Mrs Green, Anna’s 1st grade teacher!

She is so kind and amazing! She is very patient with all the children, and at the past two field trips she took time to be with them and do things with them.

---Crystal Clewis (Anna Sean’s Parent)

NC Cyber Academy Elementary 4th grader Matthew Lewis enjoys putting LEGOs to the test! Recently he put this LEGO camera together! Awesome work Matthew!

The mother of one of our fifth grade students - Zoë Vafiades - recognized her daughter for all her hard work this semester in her virtual classroom.

I would like to submit a shout-out for my daughter, Zoë Vafiades, as we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments. Zoë is a fifth-grade student in Mrs. Hill’s class and has had an amazing year at NCCA. Prior to this year, Zoë was homeschooled, and we decided to try something new by applying to NCCA — a decision she has embraced wholeheartedly.

Zoë earned A Honor Roll last quarter and, by all indications, will earn A Honor Roll again this quarter. She has maintained these excellent grades while balancing an intense extracurricular schedule, including 6–8 hours of weekly figure-skating practice as a competitive skater. When she isn’t at the rink, Zoë can be found in the dance studio, where she trains with a ballet company.

In the past two weeks alone, Zoë has performed in a halftime show for the Fayetteville Marksmen ice hockey game and recently completed a Christmas on Ice performance on Fort Bragg. She is currently training for the upcoming competition season, with her first event being the North Carolina State Games.

We are so proud of Zoë’s hard work, dedication, and perseverance both inside and outside the classroom.

---Thilini Vafiades (mother of Zoë Vafiades)

Yuja Fernando, a 5th grader at the North Carolina Cyber Academy, joined her younger sister Aika in playing Christmas music at the Cultural Center in downtown Greensboro on Friday, December 5th. This was part of the First Friday celebrations that are held weekly in Greensboro. Her teacher, Ms. Allegra Gicla, is beside her in the videos.

Watch and listen to her performance below:

The North Carolina Cyber Academy Middle School scheduled a variety of in-person events throughout the month of November!

On November 7, students and staff visited the Reed Gold Mine, there they had a chance to tour tunnels and see numerous displays and demonstrations!

Also on November 7, a collection of students and staff members made their way to the Imagination Station and the Science & History Museum. It was a fun day of learning and exploring together!

Another in-person field trip was held on November 7, as NC Cyber Middle students, parents, and staff in the eastern part of the state made their way to the Aquarium at Fort Fisher prior to its closing for remodeling.

Then on November 28, Movies in the Park was held at LeBauer Park in Greensboro, where families had a chance to watch The Outsiders under the stars!

Thanks to all our staff member who helped organize these awesome experiences for our students!

Habit 3 Put First Things First. “Work first, then play.”

At NC Cyber Academy Middle School, we are building strong leadership skills through Habit Put First Things First.

Leaders understand priorities. They focus on what is most important, like completing assignments, preparing for tests, and taking care of responsibilities, before jumping into fun activities. This habit helps students manage time, stay organized, and make choices that support their success.

Family Challenge

Please talk with your student about what is on their plate this week. Help them sort tasks into “Must Do” and “Can Do Later” lists and celebrate when they stick to their priorities.

#Habit3 #PutFirstThingsFirst #LeadershipInAction #LeaderInMe #NCCAMiddleLeads #TimeManagement #StudentSuccess

Three of NC Cyber’s eighth grade students recently came through with an act of heroism in the face of a scary incident.

On November 12th, there was a fire in the kitchen of their best friends house. NC Cyber eighth graders Peyton LaBarca, Rosalie LaBarca and Lilyana Ralston ran inside the fire alongside their best friend to rescue all of her pets. They successfully rescued her four pets and attempted to put the fire out as well until the firefighters came.

We are so proud of Peyton, Rosalie, and Lilyana for their bravery and thinking of the lives of those beloved pets!

Our 6th graders at the North Carolina Cyber Academy Middle School have been on an extraordinary journey this fall — one that has taken them deep into the worlds of the Mayan, Aztec, and Inca civilizations. Over the past few weeks, students have been busy transforming their research into fully curated “Ancient History Museums,” showcasing both their creativity and their growing academic mastery.

Throughout this project, students explored art, culture, archaeology, human development, and more, uncovering the rich stories of these civilizations. Their curiosity has been matched only by their leadership, as they confidently presented their findings to peers and navigated the technological tools needed to bring their museum exhibits to life.

What has been especially exciting is seeing how students connected ancient history to their own modern experiences—recognizing the ways these civilizations still influence our world today. Their insights show not only understanding, but wisdom beyond their years.

At NCCA, we are fortunate to have some of the most imaginative and driven learners, and their work in this project proves it. These students are not just studying history—they’re shaping their own futures with the creativity, skills, and courage they display each day.

Keep going, 6th graders—we are so proud of you!

We even have some future entrepreneurs that charge to get into their virtual museums!

Our 8th grade science students recently participated in an engaging virtual field trip with park rangers from Waco Mammoth National Monument in Waco, Texas! During the session, students learned how scientists use fossils and rock layers to interpret Earth’s history and past environments.

This experience directly supports 8th Grade Science standard 8.E.1, which focuses on analyzing geological evidence such as fossils and rock strata to explain Earth’s history, and Science and Engineering Practices such as analyzing evidence and constructing explanations.

Connecting with real scientists helped bring our standards to life and deepened students’ understanding of how Earth’s past is studied.

On Tuesday, December 16, NC Cyber Middle School students were invited to a Winter Party to end the semester with some fun!

Teachers and students played a winter scavenger hunt, did a directed drawing of a snowman, and played a round or Winter CrowdParty! Fun was had by all who attended! Our CrowParty game winner and a randomly selected student won gift cards!

Our multi-language coordinator at NC Cyber Academy - Ms. Naomi Monson - recognized a special group of students this month for their outstanding work in both attendance and completing their homework assignments. We are all proud of these hard-working students for their achievement!

Congrats to the following students (most last names withheld): Kalley Z-A, Nathan C, Austin A.L, Kevin Z-M, Kevin S., Ahyleen M.J., Eleezar M.N., Jaydon C., Bryan C., Abigail S.S., M. Bechemora (6th), M. Bechemora (8th), Maryum N.

The North Carolina Cyber Academy Middle School is excited to present our SECURE IT Cybersecurity workshops series for middle schoolers. These workshops are hosted in person for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Each student will attend once a month during the school year. Students will learn a variety of topics from cryptology to social engineering to generative AI.

Workshops run monthly on the following dates from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on North Carolina State's Centennial Campus in Raleigh. For more information, read below!

Kinsley Mullis is one of our 7th grade students.

She recently won the Preteen Miss Merry Christmas title through a local pageant that supported multiple community causes. As part of the event, all contestants donated toys that were given to the City of Monroe for children during the Christmas season, and funds raised at the door went toward Operation Save, which provides life-saving equipment for children.

Congratulations to Kinsley for this awesome achievement!

NC Cyber Academy seventh grader Patrick Taylor has been in Florida this month competing in the Level 2 Junior Orange Bowl International Championships, which is one of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments worldwide.

Many top players have come through this event, so it’s a significant accomplishment for Patrick to participate. On Thursday, December 4, Patrick was in Charlotte for an invitational event with Frances Tiafoe, a top-ranked American professional tennis player and former U.S. Open semifinalist.

Congrats to Patrick from the entire NC Cyber Academy family for these incredible opportunities! We’re very proud of his hard work and dedication!

NC Cyber Middle School eighth grader Kat Mooring is a very active student leader in NCCA Middle School clubs. She also has her own clubs that she is the leader of, and she participates in a number of other clubs!

Kat's clubs are all active and hold meetings where students are actively engaged. The middle school counselors would like to say, "Thank you Kat for your contribution to NCCA Middle School!”

The mother of NC Cyber Academy Middle School eighth grader Logan Parker provided us a Shout Out to her son for how hard he’s worked this fall in his classes! Way to go Logan!

I would love to shout out my son, Logan Parker! He has been working so hard on his school work and has really locked in to raise his grades! I’m a proud mama, but especially proud this quarter at how well he has done!

—-Kelly Parker (Logan Parker’s mother)

Siejahn Clark of Mrs. Hutchinson’s 8th grade class finally caught the fish he’d been after for months.

His mother, Mrs. Clark, wanted to highlight Siejahn for this because he was quite determined and calculated in this endeavor. He had been trying to catch a Carp since summer! He would go out almost daily and study what they ate, how they moved and the conditions they liked.

One evening as he was about to pack up, his mother gave him 10 extra minutes. He decided to try “carp spot lighting” and that sealed the deal.

He finally snagged the Carp pictured below - a Grass Carp!

It was quite the fight! Siehahn and his mom all got wet and muddy as he reeled it in. The fish weighed about 20 pounds, and was 3 1/2 feet long. We are super proud of him for staying with it!

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has named NC Cyber Academy High School Teacher Colt Weaver as the 2026 Charter School Teacher of the Year Runner-Up—a decision DPI described as the closest charter school competition they’ve ever had.

NC Cyber Academy Superintendent Mr. Martez Hill had the following to say about Mr. Weaver and his achievement:

"Colt’s consistent focus on helping students build a growth mindset—believing in progress, effort, and possibility—is exactly the culture we want to reinforce at NC Cyber Academy. He models what it looks like to meet students where they are and help them grow. Colt, we are incredibly proud of you and grateful for the example you set for our students and for all of us.

With appreciation,

Martez Hill

Our High School students participated in a variety of in-person Field Trips across the state of North Carolina back in October. Some students even got a chance to visit with Principal Dr. Vecchione at his farm! Take a look at some photos from these in-person Field Trips!

Just prior to the Thanksgiving break, a collection of our Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at the North Carolina Cyber Academy High School were treated to an interesting and informative Career Expo presentation, where they were able to discuss various jobs in CTE with actual business owners and employees of various companies.

Evan Tanner, a former minister and current coffee shop owner, shared his journey from ministry to entrepreneurship. He and his wife started The Collective Coffee and Bakery in Reidsville, North Carolina. Key to their success was constant learning through online resources, vendor training, and learning from mistakes.

“We more call ourselves career entrepreneurs,” Evan said. “So it's not necessarily a job that we're working, but we like to start things, start businesses. And the biggest one we have with moving parts right now is definitely the Collective Coffee Shop that we have. But I actually started in ministry. That was pretty much what I wanted to do my whole life. And I spent about 10 years doing pretty much everything you can in a church, and I worked at a couple different churches, and at some point, just decided that there was something else for me. And so my wife and I kind of talked about it, prayed about it, and figured out it's time to move on.”

Josh Evans, a career fireman and high school firefighting and EMT teacher, shared his journey from volunteering in 2002 to becoming a full-time firefighter in 2003. He detailed the rigorous 16-week training at the Greensboro Training Center, emphasizing the physical demands and the importance of medical certification. Evans described a typical day at the firehouse for our NC Cyber High School students, including morning checks, cleaning, training, and meal preparation.

“I jumped all over that opportunity to become a career fireman,” he told our students.

Katie Sizemore discussed her career as a hair stylist, highlighting the North Carolina Board of Cosmetology Arts' requirements. She emphasized the importance of understanding clients' needs. She also mentioned the cost of starting a hairdressing career, which includes a starter kit and semester fees, and noted the significance of word-of-mouth marketing in her business.

“Hair is universal. So you can kind of go anywhere and do people's hair,” she said.

Michaela Matolka, a Veterinarian Technician student at Appalachian State University, shared her career journey from working in a bio lab to realizing her passion for animals. She is two semesters away from her Vet Tech degree, currently working at Wentworth Animal Hospital in Rockingham County. Michaela handles 50-60 patients daily, including assisting in animal surgeries like C-sections and spays. She has worked with various animals. Michaela emphasized the physical demands of her job and the importance of understanding animal behavior and pain.

“At my clinic, we tend to work mainly on dogs and cats,” Michaela said. “We occasionally will see a possum. We worked with a turkey, which was very interesting. And then because of my clinicals, I've gotten to work with several large animals. I've worked with chickens. I've worked with horses, cows, and goats. So I've gotten to see a bunch of different animals.”

The teachers and staff of the North Carolina Cyber Academy High School and our various CTE programs wish to thank these professionals across the state for taking time out of their days to speak with and engage our students. It is our hope that our students were inspired and motivated by these stories to chase their own dreams in the years to come!

Congratulations to this year's High School Talent Show winners! Paloma Saucedo placed third, earning $25 for her presentation. Noah Vazquez placed second, earning $50 for his guitar solo. Maddie Saylors placed first, winning $75 for her fun dance interpretation of an animation. Way to go students!

A small but mighty contingent from North Carolina Cyber Academy's HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment at the highly competitive North Central Regional Leadership Conference, held recently at Sanderson High School. HOSA stands for "Health Occupations Students of America".

The event, held on November 19, was a massive gathering, featuring 1,200 middle and high school student competitors vying in over 100 specialized HOSA events.

Focused Effort, High Standards

NC Cyber sent six dedicated students, forming three teams of two, all focused on the challenging CPR / First Aid event. The competition was rigorous, requiring students to excel in multiple phases:

Round 1: A demanding written test, where team scores were averaged to determine advancement.

Round 2 (Skills Demonstration): This round put their practical knowledge to the test. Teams split up, with one student treating a severe first aid emergency (such as a burn, bleeding, or allergic reaction) while the partner simultaneously initiated care for an adult or infant CPR emergency. The team then reunited to provide high-quality, coordinated care to the CPR patient.

In addition to their competitive events, the NC Cyber students embraced the conference's enriching opportunities. They actively participated in the welcome ceremony, helping elect the future leaders of the North Central Region.

Students also benefited from invaluable professional development and career exploration, including:

College and Career Exploration: Visiting booths from various colleges and local healthcare businesses.

Educational Symposiums: Attending sessions led by organizations such as the Army National Guard, The Blood Connection (or Red Cross), Trauma Presentation, Wake Tech Dental, US Navy, and Campbell PA School, offering a real-world look into diverse health careers.

This trip was not just a HOSA club competition, but a crucial step in developing NC Cyber's next generation of compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.

We are very proud of Ms. Melissa Sparks (Health Sciences Teacher) and her competing students. Our HOSA-Future Health Care professionals will continue to compete in future competitions around the state in the future.

If you would like more information related to HOSA, please contact the staff sponsor: Ms. Sparks at msparks@myncca.com

Jakayla Banks, Vice President of NC Cyber’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals organization, is pictured here with Tayla Williams. Jakayla and Tayla attended the State Fair in Raleigh along with several classmates and NC Cyber Academy staff members earlier this fall.

On November 21, NC Cyber Academy High School students participated in a “Day of Service” across the entire state. Students attended sites including the Second Harvest Food Bank in Winston-Salem, the Broadway Zoo, Salvation Army, Angel Tree in Raleigh, and the Food Bank in Wilmington, among others.

Students washed dogs in New Bern, worked at the Crisis Assistance Ministry garden in Greensboro, Family Care Center in Hickory, the Salvation Army in Burlington, and the Rockingham County Animal Shelter in Reidsville, and the Greenville Food Bank. NC Cyber High School also held its first-ever Blood Drive in Charlotte - learn more about that event below!.

“There was lots of great volunteering happening on November 21, so thank you all to who came out and helped. It was a great day,” said NC Cyber High School Principal Dr. Vecchione.

As part of the November 21 service day, students enjoyed walking and socializing with the dogs at the Colonial Capital Humane Society in New Bern!

The North Carolina Cyber Academy's HOSA - Future Health Professionals chapter hosted a blood drive on November 21st at Amity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Special thanks to everyone in the Charlotte area who came out to donate, or told a friend or family member that was willing to donate blood for this worthy cause!

On the morning of Friday, December 12, students and staff at the NC Cyber Academy High School took part in one of the most enjoyable events of the season - the Third Annual Teacher Jeopardy!

Teachers from throughout the high school challenged other NC Cyber teachers from various departments. Student Rebekah Ratcliff, the host of the third annual Jeopardy event, welcomed participants and outlined the rules for the game, emphasizing the importance of honesty, teamwork, and respectful behavior. Teams were not allowed to look up answers, use phones or computers, and only one attempt per question per person was allowed, with incorrect answers resulting in point deductions.

A new rule allowed teams to “Phone a DeRoo” and call Mrs. DeRoo once per game for assistance.

Questions ranged from identifying types of radiation to naming the winner of last year’s NCCA prom king award, and members the current graduating class. The game featured categories like "Adventures in the Studies," “NC Cyber Teachers: Behind the Screens," and "Big Brain Time." Teachers from different departments, including English, Math, History, Science, Student Services, Administration, CTE (Career Technical Education) and Electives competed!.

The game concluded with CTE and Electives tied, leading to a tie-breaker question. Electives won the tiebreaker, earning this year’s victory!

Congrats to Electives for dethroning the 2024 champions, the English department, and congrats to everyone for a fun morning. We look forward to seeing everyone back in 2026!

On December 15-18, several NC Cyber Academy High School students took End of Course examinations for various classes including Biology, English, Math 1, Math 3, Animal Science 1, Food and Nutrition 1&2, Health Science 1&2, Child Development, Intro to Computer Science, Biomedical Technology, and Equine Science 1&2.

One of the requirements for enrollment at NC Cyber is to attend any scheduled in-person testing. Students who do not attend scheduled in-person testing may be administratively withdrawn from our school. Congratulations to our students for completing their fall courses and their examinations!

Congratulations to our High School and its commitment to attendance and engagement. Here are some highlights from the fall semester!

—-At the end of the first quarter, 9% of all ninth graders at NC Cyber High School had perfect attendance. 17% had perfect attendance in the 1st quarter in the 10th grade, 18% had perfect attendance in the 1st quarter in the 11th grade, and another 16% had perfect attendance in the 1st quarter in the 12th grade. Congratulations to these engaged and dedicated students for their dedication to attendance in their live lessons!

Special congrats to Barakat Rahaf for winning the 12th Grade Quarter 1 Super Perfect Attendance Challenge!

Remember students and families - you shine when you show up!

Just like Christmas lights only shine when they’re plugged in, your potential shines brightest when you’re connected, focused, and present in class! Asking questions, joining discussions, and staying active builds habits for success on your final exams and End of Course (EOC) tests.

Remember that Friday check-ins during the regular semester count towards attendance and exam exemption for certain courses! All students must complete Friday check-ins!

The North Carolina Cyber Academy High School always encourages its students to consider joining one or several of the school’s many clubs. NC Cyber has a wide range of clubs for its High School students, including academic clubs, hobby clubs, talent clubs, and many other organizations designed to bring students with common interests together for friendship and time well spent together.

For our Winter Newsletter, we introduce several of NC Cyber High School’s clubs, along with more details about each organization and how to participate!

The Art Club is open to all NC Cyber High School students, and is dedicated to promoting the making and sharing of student-made artwork.

“We are a club dedicated to promoting the making and sharing of the traditional digital crafts, 3D ceramics, etc, whatever art thing you do,” said student representative Maddie Saylors. “We have an array of activities for members to participate in, both inside and outside of meetings, all designed to give students a chance to show off their creative sides.”

The Art Club held a meeting on December 9, and will host another one in January. For more information, reach out to student representatives Maddie Saylors and/or Lee Dunn.

NC Cyber High School’s Book Club meets once a month to discuss a wide range of books, from historical to fictions and fantasy books. Students take book polls and give recommendations to fellow students on which books to read.

In November, the Book Club discussed Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations. The Book Club did not meet in December, but will next meet on Monday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m..

“We're meeting in January to talk about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” said student representative Jayden Watkins. “All you have to do to be considered a member is come to Book Club whenever you feel like. It’s awesome, and you don't have to read the book. If you’ve just heard about Book Club and you want to come, you don't have to finish the book.”

To learn more about the NC Cyber Book Club, reach out to student representative Jayden Watkins or staff sponsor Mrs. DeRoo.

The Chess Club meets regularly to play and teach the game of chess. Students get an opportunity to test their skills against one another, and to help each other improve.

“I've been in the Chess Club for three years, and I can tell you, it's a really great club,” said student representative Sanvika Achanti. “You can join with any skill level, whether you're a beginner or advanced. We have matches every meeting. We teach lessons about chess, and we host a few competitions per semester.”

The Chess Club typically meets on Fridays at 2:00 p.m. If you have any questions, reach out to Sanvika Achanti or staff sponsor Mr. Johnson.

Aaron Howard, a student leader for FCA, introduces the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA is open to all students, regardless of faith or athletic status. FCA meetings include testimonies, guest speakers, prayer requests, and games, and are held every other Wednesday at 3:00 p.m..

"FCA is a club that's focused on helping people grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ,” Aaron said. “Even though FCA is called Fellowship of Christian Athletes, you don't have to be a Christian or an athlete to join. You can just come join and come fellowship with us. We have testimonies, guest speakers, and a prayer hall.”

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is a new club at the North Carolina Cyber Academy, having begun at the start of the 2025-26 school year. The club has already grown substantially, and has considerable support at both the student and staff levels.

“This is our first year doing FFA, and it's amazing,” said sophomore Alanna Carson. “FFA is the Future Farmers of America Association, which is a nationwide organization with almost a million members. We focus on helping the community, growing people, putting them together and learning responsibility and all-around just helping people.”

FFA meets on Mondays. For more information, reach out to Alanna Carson or staff sponsor Mrs. Fix.

The Gimkit Games Club provides students an opportunity to meet new friends and play a variety of games together in a relaxed setting.

“The Gimlet Games Club is a great place to socialize and meet new people,” said student representative Sanvika Achanti. “We play different types of games each week, and you can choose which game you want to play and what the questions are on.”

The Gimkit Games Club meets on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. if you have any questions, reach out to Sanvika Achanti or staff sponsors Mr. Ranew and/or Mr. Thomas Buck.

Girls Who Code is an opportunity for students to learn more about the intricacies of internet coding with fellow classmates. Students can learn key skills that can assist them both inside and outside their virtual classrooms.

“Girls that Code is a nationally-recognized organization with a mission to make coding accessible to everyone,” said student representative Sanvika Achanti. “This club is not just for girls. It’s for everyone who is interested in learning about coding and software fields. No matter what you want to do in your career, knowing about computers will help in many ways.”

Meetings are typically held every other Monday at 2:50 p.m.. To learn more, contact Sanvika Achanti or staff sponsor Mr. Timothy Buck.

HOSA - Future Health Professionals is a health and career focused club at NC Cyber, focused on community service and learning important medical skills while still having fun. Back in November, the HOSA students participated in a Regionals event, where they practiced CPR and First Aid.

"My teammates, friends and I had a very great time, and we learned a lot of valuable skills that can help us in everyday life,” said HOSA representative Mariella Clark.

HOSA also participated in the Community Service Blood Drive in Charlotte on November 21, and is hosting a similar event in Holly Springs in Wake County on December 19.

“These events are great way to give back and get involved in the community,” Mariella said. “HOSA is a fun, hands on way to explore healthy careers and make a difference. If you're interested, come and check it out.”

Knot Your Average Club is a welcoming, creative space for students to learn and share crochet skills, work on fun projects and give back to the community. All skill levels are welcome. Goals are to teach crochet to beginners and advanced students, encouraging creativity and teamwork, and promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

Meetings are relaxed and friendly! They start with quick check-ins, sharing projects, crocheting together, helping each other learn new stitches, and chatting while working.

Meetings are Mondays from 3:10 to 4:10 p.m.. For more details, reach out to teacher leader Crystal Sampson or student representative Jasmine Moore.

The K-Pop Dance Club is a group dedicated to dancing and fun!

“I know what you might be thinking - ‘Ugh, just another club that likes K-Pop Music,’” said student representative Mariella Medina. “Nope! We are so much more than just streaming. This is where we actually get together, learn the choreography and nail the hardest moves from groups like Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, BTS, TWICE, choice and more!”

The K-Pop Dance Club is the perfect place to make friends and totally show off your vibe! The group meets every other Friday from 12:45 to 1:25 p.m.. Students will vote for dances using a form.

This is a camera-required club, and a safe place for all students to be themselves. Absolutely no bullying allowed! For more information, reach out to student leaders Mariella Medina and/or Juliana Watkins, or teacher advisor Emily Machiavello.

The Latino Community Club is centered around Latino and Hispanic culture, and the beauty of it all. This organization meets every other week to celebrate and learn about the awesome diversity about this unique culture. Activities include discussions about Latino life, society, and culture, online movie nights, sharing music, and fun team presentations.

Students do not have to be of Latino descent in order to be a member and participant in this club! The Latino Community Club held its most recent meeting on December 10 at 3:00 p.m. Future meetings in the spring will also be on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m..

For more information about the Latino Community Club, contact student leaders Leyanny Cerrato or Paloma Saucedo.

The Minecraft Casual Gaming Club is a place where students can participate in gaming activities with like-minded students in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

“I have started this Casual Gaming Club because I want so many people to have fun and to play games like Minecraft and Fall Guys and more,” said Skyler Greenfield. “I want to grow this club into a big place where students have fun talking and sharing their thoughts.”

The Minecraft Casual Gaming Club held its first official meeting on November 14 and held another meeting on December 12. Some of the activities planned include watching Twitch and Youtube streamers playing Minecraft highlights, while also watching Minecraft animations.

Meetings will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.. For more information, reach out to student representative Skyler Greenfield.

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) builds unity through education! All NC Cyber Academy students and staff who are interested in learning more about Islam are welcome to join!

Our goal is to provide a space to learn about Islam, connect with peers, and grow together.

Meetings are held every first and third Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m.. For more information, contact club sponsor Mrs. Hamad, or student representatives Ula Ashaif and/or Hussein Ruqaya.

Students at the North Carolina Cyber Academy High School can take advantage of Peer Tutoring, where students can receive free, quality tutoring from fellow classmates! Teachers are present to help assist any time students may get stuck on a certain topic!

We currently offer Peer Tutoring in English 1-3, as well as Math 1-3. Meetings are held every Monday and Thursday at 3:00 p.m., but are subject to change. For more information about Peer Tutoring, reach out to student leader Asiah Lee or staff sponsor Mr. Upright.

The Scribble Society is a club dedicated to creating and sharing written works among fellow students in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Along with sharing writings, students will also share prompts, conduct art round robins, and other fun activities!

“In Scroll society, we create and share writings each meeting, no matter the form of it” explained student leader Genesis Blandin. “We also provide a safe and welcoming space for new writers to explore their creativity and gain inspiration from other fellow writers. If you need any tips, we're also there for you there as well. There's no downside to sharing, either. We're always open to new material brought into the club.”

Meetings of the Scribble Society are held every first and third Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.. For more information, contact student leaders Genesis Blandin, Lee Dunn, and/or Maddie Saylors.

Although Student Government Association (SGA) elections have been held for the 2025-26 school year, High School students are still encouraged to attend SGA meetings to stay on the pulse of the activities surrounding their school. SGA also gives students a voice with their classmates, as well as NC Cyber Academy staff and leadership. Involvement in SGA also looks good on college applications.

“SGA meets every week to discuss the major events at the school and come up with new ideas for how to further improve NC Cyber,” explained 11th grade class President Breylan Ouelette. “I'm here to tell you firsthand that joining SGA might be the best choice that you can make this year. We had one senior last year join SGA because he said that he wanted to make a difference in the school in his final year. That he absolutely did. He got involved in all of our clubs and activities, and helped lead the Teacher Jeopardy (presentation).”

To learn more about getting involved in Student Government Association at NC Cyber High School, reach out to one of the class elected officers.

The Student Wellness Committee offers peer tutoring for various grades, along with wellness tips for students.

“We’re just a place that fosters academic proficiency, and it's a really great support system for students,” said student representative Gracie Rodriguez. “We help with homework and peer tutoring. We mainly tutor, have fun, and talk about wellness. We do a lot of wellness tips every meeting, and we're just here to support students.”

SWC meetings are held at 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, With pre-ACT meetings coming up in the spring, there will not be Thursday meetings for a few weeks at the start of the spring semester.

NC Cyber High School students are invited to join the Student Lighthouse Team and help other students discover the leader in themselves! Leader in Me is a program that helps ALL students grow as leaders - in our school and in your own life!

Every single NC Cyber Academy High School student can be a leader! The Teacher Lighthouse Team is here to help find the leader in each and every one of our Owl students!

A Lighthouse Team is a group of student and staff leaders who will help our school implement and maintain the principles of the Leader in Me program, serving as a beacon for the entire school community to take care of their own success.

The following NC Cyber High School staff members are participating in our Lighthouse Team program. Students and parents are advised to reach out to any of these instructors and/or staff members to learn more about the Lighthouse Team!

Mrs. Ashley Heacox

Mr. Tim Buck

Ms. Melissa Anders

Ms. Erin Frye

Ms. Mackenzie Thomas

Ms. Tunita Hazelwood

Mr. Ryan Hinkleman

Mrs. Libby Sparklin

Mrs. Rachel Christian

Want to step up even more? Students will have an opportunity during the spring 2026 semester to get involved with our NC Cyber Academy High School Lighthouse Team!

The NC Cyber Academy High School is proud to honor senior Daelin Diaz-Luong, who recently celebrated a remarkable accomplishment as she signed a full scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University and compete in intercollegiate gymnastics.

“Penn State honestly just felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus, and the gymnastics team welcomed me right away,” Daelin told us recently. “I absolutely adore my future coaches, and I think that there are so many amazing possibilities for my future because of what Penn State provides. Achieving this dream definitely wasn't easy, but I am so grateful it all worked out, and now I can do what I love in college for a Division One program.”

Daelin has been a star in various gymnastics disciplines since she was a young girl, and she and her family have found the flexible curriculum at NC Cyber Academy ideally suited for her demanding training and competition schedule.

“NCCA has definitely made this journey so much smoother by allowing me to attend morning training sessions and travel back and forth three hours away every week to train,” Daelin explained. “Not to mention, I can take my schooling with me whenever I travel for competitions!”

“I would say NCCA has allowed Daelin the flexibility to train at the highest level and achieve her goals,” added Daelin’s mother, Kelly Diaz-Luong.

The entire North Carolina Cyber Academy community congratulates Daelin and her family for her tremendous achievements and wish her all the success in the world at Penn State and beyond!

At the end of each semester, students in Mr. Hinkleman’s ELA Learning Lab 1 class participate in a special Gratitude Challenge. Students begin by reflecting on someone in their life they are truly grateful for, then write a short letter expressing their appreciation for that person.

The following day, Mr. Hinkleman added a twist:

Would anyone be willing to call the person they wrote about and read their letter aloud, live, on camera, in front of the whole class?

This semester, five courageous students accepted that challenge. Each unmuted, turned their camera on, and read their heartfelt message directly to the person they appreciate most:

• Niaylah R. – called her mom
• Peyton H. – called a friend
• Jana A. – called a friend
• Ashlee C. – called her mom
• Imani C. – spoke directly to both parents

Sharing gratitude publicly takes confidence, vulnerability, and heart. Research consistently shows that expressing thanks strengthens well-being, for both the giver and the receiver.

Mr. Hinkleman is incredibly proud of these five students for their bravery, sincerity, and leadership. We are honored to celebrate them in this month’s district newsletter!

The parent of Aneya Scott, a 10th Grade student at NC Cyber, expressed her gratitude to high school teacher Nikki Balderas for her efforts working with her daughter this semester.

I wanted to send a quick note to share how incredibly impressed and grateful I am for Ms. Balderas, especially with her work teaching the Art 2.

She's truly something special when it comes to teaching. It feels like she's not just showing the kids how to draw or paint, but really sparking a genuine love for art in them. She goes way beyond the basics, creating this amazing space where it's okay to experiment and be creative, and she genuinely celebrates all their unique ideas. My daughter, and I'm sure others, feel so comfortable trying new things in her class.

What really stands out is how she connects with every single student. She takes the time to get to know them and their individual styles, which really helps them grow not just as artists, but as people too. She's always encouraging them to try different techniques and ideas, pushing them to see what else they can create and helping them find talents they might not even know they had.

Honestly, Ms. Balderas has made such a huge difference for my daughter. Not only has her art really blossomed, but her confidence has soared. Art class has become this wonderful, calming outlet for her, and she genuinely looks forward to her Art 2 live lessons every single day which, as a parent, is a fantastic thing to see!

She's more than just a teacher; she's a true mentor who has a real, positive impact on these kids' lives. I truly believe she's an invaluable part of your art program.

Thank you for having such amazing educators like her on your team.

---Ms. Jackson (Aneya’s Scott's Mother)

I would like to Shout Out my son Colin Stewart for all his accomplishments in his classes. Also, to his favorite teachers Coach Laing and Thomas Buck.

---Lyndsey Myers (Colin Stewart’s mother)

The parent of one of our 10th Grade students - Jhenyla Taylor - wished to express her gratitude to the staff of the North Carolina Cyber Academy High School

My name is Natasha Johnson and I appreciate the opportunity, support, patience, commitment and dedication North Carolina Cyber Academy's accredited teachers, guidance, professors, technical support and staff overall has given my 10th grader Jhenyla Taylor and myself as a new student to NCCA.

---Natasha Johnson (mother of Jhenyla Taylor)