Reel Me winner, Kaiyah, is proof of what happens when students are given flexibility, encouragement, and opportunities to shine.
When eighth grader Kaiyah submitted her entry to the K12 Reel Me Challenge, she didn’t expect to win. The contest invited students nationwide in K12 schools to share their stories in a 60-second video, and in the “My Why K12” category, Kaiyah opened up about her passion for animals and her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Her message resonated with judges and peers alike, earning her the top spot with 163 votes in the People’s Choice category.
“I was really excited because there were a lot of really cool videos,” Kaiyah explained, “I didn’t think that I would win, but then I learned that I had, so I was really happy and thankful for that.”
In her video, Kaiyah talked about specifically wanting to start a dog walking business so she can get closer to working with animals.
“I really like animals,” she said, “So I’ve been wanting to do all I can to help those animals and I really wanted to share that because that’s just my passion.”
Behind her achievement was more than just a love for animals. Kaiyah credits her K12 Private Academy (K12PA) teachers for encouraging her along the way.
“I always ask my teachers if they would like to vote,” she said, “They’re always supportive and they’re always willing to vote. I’m just really grateful that they do that, and they keep me encouraged and motivated, so I’m thankful for them.”
At K12PA, teachers don’t just teach—they inspire confidence, creativity, and determination. In the classroom, Kaiyah says her teachers know how to make learning fun and keep students connected.
“Teachers make the classes fun,” she said, “We do play games and it’s really fun to talk to other people who are your age and know about the things you know about.”
Finding Education That Fits
Kaiyah’s journey with K12PA began five years ago, when her family was searching for a more challenging and advanced education during Covid-19.
“We were in public school, but then when COVID-19 broke out, we decided not to be with that school anymore because their education system wasn’t as advanced for us,” she explained, “Everything was easy, so my parents wanted us to be in K12 so that we could have a bit more of a challenge – and it’s been really great so far.”
That challenge has helped Kaiyah not only succeed academically but also grow in confidence. Now, she is super involved in school and pushes her own skills by joining the competitions K12 offers.
“I enter a lot of competitions with K-12 such as the Reel Me competition and the photography competition,” Kaiyah said, “I’ve taken a lot of pictures of nature, and I did some really fun pictures of a little rubber ducky reading in the snow. I also took just pictures of things around my house, animals and mostly wildlife. I think that’s just really fascinating to take pictures of.”
Looking Ahead
The Reel Me competition gave Kaiyah the chance to share her “why,” but her story is just beginning. She plans to stay with K12PA until graduation, join National Honors Society, and is already thinking about college.
“I am excited to study veterinary medicine when I go off to college,” she said, “I’ve been involved in a lot of stuff and succeeding in those things, so I think I could have a really good future.”
For students considering K12PA, Kaiyah offers her own advice.
“Think about it,” she said, “It is a great thing to be a part of because it fits around your busy schedule. At first it may look overwhelming, but you will warm up to the system. Just know that the teachers are very kind and they want you to succeed and learn new things.”
Kaiyah’s Reel Me win is more than just a competition victory—it’s proof of what happens when students are given flexibility, encouragement, and opportunities to shine. At K12PA, students like Kaiyah are discovering their passions, celebrating their achievements, and building bright futures.
To learn more about K12PA, visit k12privateacademy.com.
