Student Spotlight

Introduction: 

Education is a journey that encompasses not only academic achievements but also personal growth and the pursuit of passions outside the classroom. Ethan Tibbs, an eighth-grade student at Pecos Cyber Academy (PCA), embodies this ideal by excelling academically while passionately pursuing his love for rodeo competitions. This young talent has become a shining star at PCA, and his dedication and achievements have earned him a well-deserved spot in the school's Student Spotlight.

Academic Excellence at Pecos Cyber Academy: 

Pecos Cyber Academy, often referred to as PCA, is an innovative online virtual school that offers a comprehensive and free education to K-12 students in New Mexico, regardless of their zip code. At PCA, students have the freedom to learn in a flexible and personalized environment, allowing them to thrive academically. Ethan Tibbs has embraced this unique educational opportunity and has been excelling in his studies.

Ethan's teacher, recognizing his exceptional dedication and achievements, nominated him for the prestigious Student Spotlight. This recognition is a testament to Ethan's remarkable academic performance. His commitment to his studies and unwavering work ethic have made him a role model for his peers.

Thriving in Rodeo Competitions: 

While Ethan's academic achievements are undoubtedly commendable, his passion for rodeo competitions truly sets him apart. Ethan's mother proudly shared that he has been participating in rodeo events such as Chute Dogging and Light Rifle at the New Mexico Junior High Rodeo Association (NMJHRA). 

Additionally, he showcases his skills in shotgun shooting through his involvement in 4H. These rodeo events not only require physical prowess but also demand discipline, focus, and determination – qualities that Ethan possesses in abundance.

A Love for the Outdoors: 

Apart from excelling in his academics and rodeo pursuits, Ethan is an avid lover of the great outdoors. He relishes the opportunities to hunt and fish with his family, savoring the tranquility and connection with nature that these activities offer. Ethan's enthusiasm for outdoor activities showcases his well-rounded personality and his ability to find joy in diverse experiences.

Community Involvement and Aspiration to Serve: 

Ethan's involvement in his community goes beyond his academic and rodeo accomplishments. He recently joined the Valley Fire Department as a Junior Volunteer Firefighter, demonstrating his dedication to helping others and making a positive impact on his community. Through this engagement, Ethan aspires to learn about wildland firefighting, highlighting his desire to expand his knowledge and contribute meaningfully to society.

A Bright Future: 

Ethan Tibbs, an eighth-grade student at Pecos Cyber Academy, embodies the qualities of an exceptional student and a dedicated rodeo competitor. Balancing his academic pursuits with his passion for rodeo, Ethan exemplifies the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. With his commitment to personal growth and community service, there is no doubt that Ethan's future holds remarkable opportunities and success in whatever path he chooses.

Conclusion: 

Ethan Tibbs, a remarkable eighth-grade student at Pecos Cyber Academy, serves as an inspiration to his peers and the wider community. His academic achievements, coupled with his passion for rodeo competitions and love for the outdoors, demonstrate his well-rounded nature and dedication to personal growth. As he continues to thrive academically and pursue his rodeo dreams, Ethan's journey reminds us that with determination and a zest for life, we can excel in multiple areas and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Meet Douglas Duggan, a 5th grader from the small town of La Mesa, NM. He has been a student with Pecos Cyber Academy for the last three years. PCA has proven to be an easy fit for Douglas and his family, as virtual learning affords them the opportunity to continue to travel extensively and volunteer in their community while offering a standards-based, highly-engaging curriculum.

Academically, Douglas is an exemplary student. He serves as a role model to other students as he works hard to achieve straight A’s. He attends live lessons regularly, keeps up with his assignments, and participates and follows directions in class. Douglas’s self-determination to improve in all that he does shines through in his passion for ice-hockey as well. Not only does he practice four times a week with his teammates, but he also regularly does his own calisthenics at home and strives for a goal of 100 hockey shots daily. In fact, his hockey coach says “Douglas always gives his best effort and allows himself to be coached, which is what all coaches hope to find in a player.”

Douglas has made an impression on his teachers as well. They describe him as selfless, good-natured, and a huge supporter of his community. His mom says he is funny with an “old soul”, as he is always willing to put others first. Last year, he helped his family come up with the idea for a Skate-A-Thon. Douglas ice-skated roughly 15 miles in three hours to raise over $1150 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, because he said he wanted “to help the place that never charges families to help kids who have cancer.”

Douglas also helps community members on a regular basis. He helps his family collect household items, furniture, and toys and books for kids, and then deliver them to families-in-need in the area. Douglas helps hand out food boxes to seniors, and on many occasions, he volunteers at local church fiestas and children’s community events, often running carnival games, setting up drinks and desserts, and serving as the smiling, friendly front door host.

When Douglas is not studying, volunteering, or playing hockey, he can often be found riding his bike, helping in the garden or pecan grove, reading, or indulging in a video game with his sister.  He enjoys hunting & fishing, rollerblading, solving cubes, performing magic tricks, and playing with his many four-legged, furry pals. And, like most boys his age, he loves to eat. Some of his favorites include sushi, asparagus, bacon, spinach, chile rellenos, and as Douglas puts it “the world just wouldn’t be right without avocados!”

It's heart-warming to see young people like Douglas who are not only focused on their own growth and success, but who are also committed to making a positive impact on the world around them. It's clear that community service and helping others is an important value to Douglas. His example of service, dedication, and compassion are a testament to the young man he is becoming, and to all that he is sure to accomplish in life.

Congratulations to Douglas on his well-deserved recognition, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

Pecos Cyber Academy, an online K-12 school in New Mexico, is proud to recognize one of its shining stars, Jonaly, in the Student Spotlight section of its website. Jonaly is a student who has impressed her teachers and peers alike with her hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning.

Jonaly's teacher nominated her for this honor, stating that she attends all of her Chemistry LL classes and participates with great enthusiasm. Her thirst for knowledge and exceptional work ethic are truly incredible, and she always strives to go above and beyond in completing her assignments and producing quality portfolios. Her teacher noted that Jonaly always gives 100% effort in everything she does, which is truly admirable.

When asked about her daughter, Jonaly's mother shared her pride in her daughter's accomplishments. She described her daughter as a very smart young lady who never gives up and strives to do her best every day. 

Jonaly has set her sights on becoming a registered nurse and is always thinking about her future. In addition to her academic pursuits, Jonaly has a passion for doing press-on nails, and her mother describes her as a very kind person.

Janaly's achievements at Pecos Cyber Academy are a testament to her hard work and dedication to her education. She is an inspiration to her fellow students and serves as an excellent example of the kind of student that Pecos Cyber Academy is proud to nurture and support. Her story shows that with determination, passion, and a strong work ethic, anything is possible.

We congratulate Jonaly on her recognition in the Student Spotlight section of the Pecos Cyber Academy website and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We have no doubt that she will continue to achieve great things in all aspects of her life.

From the 11 competitions that the team has competed in, they have won a net value of $20,000 in scholarship money and have built unforgettable friendships. They have also learned how to use a number of different programs and technologies as well as how to collaborate as a team and with various business partners and the New State University in Las Cruces. 

The PCA STEM Team competed in the 4th annual Governor’s STEM Challenge in Las Cruces, NM at the New Mexico State University Campus on December 3, 2022. The team, coached by Jeanne Kumpunen and Jennah McKinley, was a winner in the competition again for the 4th time in a row.  Karma Bromwell, Ronan Euler, Annabelle Mauger, Caleb Mauger, Norman Mauger, and Riley Morris were given the challenge to create a product that utilized green initiatives to better the lives of people in either their community, their city or their state. The team created a robot called BuddyRR who is used as seeing eye companion. At this time, BuddyRR has been designed to guide and assist visually impaired individuals when visiting a store to purchase items. BuddyRR (Retail Rover) pairs with an app and an Arduino Mega 2560 along with miscellaneous pieces from a recycled robotics kit. The robot uses UV and ultrasonic sensors that help the robot move within its specified area. The robot includes both a “list” and “map” feature that allows the user to upload a shopping list and a map of the store is programmed in to increase the user-friendliness of the Rover. 

From the 11 competitions that the team has competed in, they have won a net value of $20,000 in scholarship money and have built unforgettable friendships. They have also learned how to use a number of different programs and technologies as well as how to collaborate as a team and with various business partners and the New State University in Las Cruces.