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Featuring
Ky'Zir
Ky’Zir’s Journey from Middle School to the Main Stage
Ky’Zir didn’t plan on standing in front of a room full of educators and students from across North Carolina. In fact, his SparkNC journey started with something simple — a registration form.
“I thought it would be a really cool experience,” he said. “And I liked that I could earn high school credit early.”
That one decision set something much bigger in motion.
As an eighth grader at Vance County STEM Early High School, Ky’Zir became the first student at his school to complete six SparkNC units — an accomplishment that would be impressive for any high schooler, let alone someone just getting started. But what stands out even more is how he approached the work: quickly, thoughtfully, and with a commitment to quality.
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Through units like Mindful Media, Ky’Zir explored the impact of screen time and social media on mental health, even analyzing and improving his own digital habits. In Build an AI Model Level 1, he went deeper — learning how tools like ChatGPT work and creating his own AI bot. He also explored creative expression through projects like Code Art with Meeting, blending technical skills with imagination.
That mix of curiosity and drive didn’t go unnoticed.
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Soon after completing his units, Ky’Zir was selected — as an eighth grader — to present at the North Carolina Technology in Education Conference (NCTIES) in Raleigh. Alongside high school students from Vance County, he represented SparkNC in a student showcase, sharing his project on Soundtracks for Games.