GLLA STUDENT LEGENDS
Do you know a current student or graduate that has done something extraordinary? Let Corrie Groth [email protected] know!
Micayla J. Class of 2025 Goes Pro!
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May 2025
Being a student athlete takes grit, discipline and determination to excel on the field while continuing to grow in the classroom. For many students, this balance can have a positive impact, which is exemplified by GLLA Junior Micayla J. Since she was seven years old, Micayla has been a sensation on the soccer field. After almost 10 years of practice, hard work and dedication, Micayla has earned many elite achievements in the sport, including having played three years on the United States Women’s Youth National Team circuit. She has been a key part of multiple globally ranked teams, travelling around the world for tournaments and participating in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup last year. Despite the busy practice and travel schedule, Micayla is still devoted to her academics, focusing on her schoolwork with GLLA’s flexible structure. To prepare for her for the next phase in her ambitious soccer career, Micayla has taken a step further and is now on track to graduate a year early this spring as a Junior. The decision to graduate early came in conjunction with her signing with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team the Chicago Stars. We’re very proud of Micayla’s achievements in soccer and are thrilled to see her continued success after graduation! |
Two GLLA Students will represent Team USA in Brazil!
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April 2025
wo GLLA students are gearing up to represent Team USA at the GAMMA World MMA Championships in São Paulo, Brazil, this June. What an outstanding milestone for these students! Check out this recent interview they had with WDIV 4 Detroit! After taking home first place at the GAMMA Youth Nationals 2025 in March, 11th grader Ruby A. is ranked number one in the country within her division. Equally outstanding 10th grader Ethan F. earned second place in two separate weight classes at the same event. Ruby and Ethan’s success is not simply due to their talent, it is also the result of their hard work and dedication. Both students maintain strict, intense training schedules on top of their academic responsibilities. In addition, they follow carefully planned diets and are always sure to get enough sleep. Their commitment to their sport is truly inspiring. These two athletes are prime examples of what’s possible when you aim for greatness and put in the hard work. We are incredibly proud of them and wish them all the best as they take the world stage in Brazil! |
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11th Grader Jamie S. Makes an Impact
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December, 2024
When a disaster strikes, it takes many helping hands to make a difference. After the recent devastation of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, GLLA National Honor Society Member, Jamie Sturgill and his father, volunteered to take part in making that difference. In preparation for the relief trip, Jamie and his dad raised $2,000 through Facebook and GoFundMe fundraisers to spend on supplies and gear for those affected by the storm. Traveling there in late December, the two visited small businesses and community members, supporting with recovery efforts wherever needed. Jamie was most surprised by the amount of damage and number of downed trees, realizing the long road to recovery many residents face. The locals expressed their thanks and gratitude for those like Jamie and his father who had not forgotten about them. Their efforts to step up in times of crisis are a powerful reminder that Great Lakes Learning Academy students are making an impact beyond the classroom. Jamie and his father’s willingness to volunteer and take action exemplify both kindness and leadership. We’re proud to highlight Jamie’s volunteer efforts and hope his story inspires others to find unique ways to give back! |
Dominick Gomez-Trout Class of 2024
While most graduates will be breathing a big sigh of relief and preparing for a summer of relaxation, Dominick is preparing to compete in a National 3D animation championship in Georgia! He has been dual enrolled with GLLA and Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC) since 2022 where he is has been studying digital animation and game programming. Through KCTC he got involved in SkillsUSA which is a national workforce development organization for students.
Dominick competed at a state level in mid-April and placed in the silver category. The competition took place over a weekend where he was given an assignment and had to come up with a 30-second-long video using a 3-D animation software called Blender. He was not allowed access to the internet or a phone for any help. Dominick said that he was a little nervous about this rule because he was worried he might forget how to do something, but it didn’t end up being a problem. It is very hard to prepare for something like this because assignments are not given out ahead of time! His assignment was to come up with a short video about “A Crime.” He decided to make a video about a clumsy robber who always made mistakes when he was trying to burglarize. Check out some of his animation work! |
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Jonathan Hoard Class of 2024
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We all remember the jobs we worked in high school: mowing lawns, scooping ice cream, and flipping hamburgers. Great Lakes Learning Academy senior Jonathon Hoard took an alternative route – building a name in his community by owning and operating his bustling taxidermy business.
Jonathon’s company, Bare Bones Taxidermy, began as a seasonal side gig. As a hunter, he wanted to skip his taxidermy visits and handle the process on his own. He started out learning the trade by practicing on the deer he bagged, and was able to quickly improve his skills, grow a client base and produce over triple the amount of taxidermy mounts from his first year to his second. In total, Jonathon has produced over 100 mounts for customers. While his community has benefitted from his business, they’re not the only ones singing his praises. Jonathon was recently selected as an FFA (formerly the Future Farmers of America) Star Finalist for his work in agribusiness, where he eventually finished second amongst competitors from across the state. Great Lakes Academy is delighted to see what Jonathon has accomplished with his craft and look forward to seeing what he achieves as he concludes his GLLA journey this June. |
