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SparkLab: ushering in the next generation of innovators

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Exciting News: SparkLab Expands with New Location and Launches Thrilling Initiatives for the 2024–2025 School Year!

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our SparkNC family with a new SparkLab location at Seaforth High School and the continued leadership of Victoria (Tori) Sparks Sylvestre as the SparkLab Leader of Chatham County. This exciting new chapter comes packed with opportunities, including participation in a DISC event, recognition by the NCSBA, an Apple App contest award, and continued District C coaching support.

Tori’s leadership now extends to both the Chatham Center for Innovation in Siler City and the newly launched SparkLab at Seaforth High School, ensuring that high school learners throughout Chatham County have greater access than ever before to cutting-edge technology experiences. As a transformative initiative dedicated to advancing learners' pathways to careers in high-tech fields, these SparkLab locations will serve as vibrant hubs for student innovation and exploration in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, esports, game development, software development, computer systems engineering, and cybersecurity.

A Leader with Vision and Versatility

Tori brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to her role:

• Certified District C Coach: Tori’s expertise in real-world problem-solving ensures students develop critical thinking and collaboration skills.

• Nationally Board-Certified Teacher: Upholding the highest standards in education, Tori is committed to academic excellence and student engagement.

• Graduate Student in the MEITE Program at UNC Chapel Hill: Furthering her knowledge in Educational Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship to elevate SparkLab’s offerings.

• Extensive Training in Unreal Engine: Equipping her with cutting-edge skills to guide students in immersive technology and game development.

• Graphic Design and Animation Experience: Through collaboration with her artist husband, Tori brings a creative and entrepreneurial flair to SparkLab.

2024–2025 Lab Activities & Achievements

Below is a brief overview of SparkLab’s major events, recognitions, and ongoing initiatives for this school year:

• Over 700 SparkLab Sign-Ins: Demonstrates strong student engagement and impact.

• Successful DISC Day: Hosted a workshop on creating custom GPTs and welcomed visitors to SparkLab Student demonstrations.

• NC School Board Award: Received recognition for a video submission.

• Apple App Contest Award: SparkLab students presented as finalists and won award highlighting student creativity and coding skills. The students are continuing a partnership with Apple to create the app which will be available on the Apple Store.

• NC School of Science & Math Field Trip: Students participated in the Ethics & Leadership Contest for the second year in a row.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership

• District C Coach for Early College: Tori guides two entrepreneurship classes—one collaborating with Cisco and another with Skillsoft.

• OCTO Time at the Early College: Mentorship every Wednesday with a focused student group.

• Middle School Collaboration at ONE Academy: Fostering tech exploration and early SparkLab engagement.

Technology & Innovation in SparkLab

• SURGE Students: Facilitating the SparkLab Program 3–4 days a week.

• Custom GPT Development: Three GPTs created specifically for SparkLab, with three more in progress.

• Personal Branding Virtual Museum: Sports Marketing students used UEFN to build a virtual museum showcasing personal brands.

• Motion Capture & Virtual Avatars: Developed digital avatars using cutting-edge mocap technology.

• Tech Theatre Collaboration: Partnered with theatre students on stage projections, set design, and promotional videos.

• New Broadcast Area: Developed in collaboration with Mark Samberg (head of tech), leveraging both live streaming, recording and intradistrict SparkLab events.

• SparkSpeakers Series: Organizing expert-led talks that will be shared with other SparkLabs and CTE classes at Seaforth.

• Tandem Program Participation: Students are actively engaging with this SparkNC initiative.

• Prism by MosaicSolutions: Exploring brain functions and cognitive optimization techniques.

• Emergency Management & UI Development (In Progress): Collaborating with a NATO expert to create a UI in Unreal Engine that integrates real-time data for disaster management.

Community & Industry Partnerships

• Innovate Chatham: Providing mentorship and project support, connecting professionals with students.

• Chatham County Arts Guild: Partnering on multimedia exhibitions and expanded student opportunities.

• Cybersecurity Club Spin-Off: SparkLab activities have inspired the formation of a dedicated Cybersecurity Club.

• Collaboration with Michael Renne & EPIC: Planning a NC CTE conference session spotlighting SparkNC’s collaboration with EPIC and showcasing SparkLab units.

Shaping Tech Pioneers of Tomorrow

With Tori’s visionary approach and passion for fostering innovation, SparkLab will not only prepare students for future careers but also cultivate essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. SparkLab is open to all high school students in Chatham County, offering a dynamic, flexible environment that encourages young minds to explore their interests and develop advanced technological competencies.

Together with SparkNC, we are shaping a brighter future for tech enthusiasts and opening doors to unparalleled opportunities. Join us in celebrating this exciting expansion and the pioneering spirit that is igniting tech innovation across Chatham County.

Stay connected, stay inspired, and stay Sparked!