At first glance, Tyjuan King might appear to be just another fifth-grader, but it doesn’t take long to see that there’s something special about this young man. With his earnest approach to everything he undertakes— from his dedication to schoolwork, to his love for sports, to the joy he brings through his humor—Tyjuan embodies a unique blend of discipline and fun that makes him a standout among his peers.

Tyjuan, the youngest in his family with two older sisters and a brother, takes pride in his role as the youngest sibling, even though it comes with the challenge of living up to the accomplishments of those who came before him. “It’s mostly my brother who I look up to,” Tyjuan shares, reflecting on the ways his older sibling has influenced his life. His brother, at 22, has already set a high bar, but Tyjuan is determined to forge his own path, especially in the areas that matter most to him.

When it comes to sports, Tyjuan’s passion is clear. Basketball and soccer are his games of choice, and although he’s currently more focused on basketball, his enthusiasm for soccer hasn’t waned. He recalls with a bit of frustration how all three of his soccer balls deflated, leaving him unable to play for a while. “I think I have like three balls, and they all busted,” he says, noting how the elusive pump needle his family can’t seem to find has kept him from getting back in the game. We spend nearly 5-minutes discussing strategies for keeping the needle with the pump so this speed bump won’t confound him in the future. Still, this small setback hasn’t dampened his spirits. Instead, it’s an example of how Tyjuan approaches challenges—with a mixture of patience and determination, always ready to bounce back, just like those deflated soccer balls will one day be pumped up and flying through the goals again soon.

At school, Tyjuan is equally dedicated. His favorite subjects include math and social studies, areas where he enjoys being challenged. “I like math because it teaches me, but again, it’s hard,” he admits, showcasing his love for learning and his willingness to tackle difficult subjects head-on. In social studies, he dives into the thick textbook with enthusiasm, learning about everything from ancient maps to the towering mountains of America.

But Tyjuan isn’t all about serious studies. He’s known among his peers for his sense of humor, a quality that makes him not only a good student but also a great friend. “I like a lot of jokes. I know like almost all of fifth grade,” he says with a grin, explaining how his humor helps him connect with classmates. Whether he’s in the classroom, on the playground, or simply hanging out with friends, Tyjuan’s ability to make people laugh is one of his greatest strengths.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Tyjuan’s school experience is his involvement in the school’s squad system. Each squad represents a group of students who participate in various activities, fostering teamwork and school spirit. Tyjuan is part of the Concorde squad, which stands for courage—a fitting attribute for a young man who approaches life with such earnestness and positivity. He even earned the title of MVP within his squad, although, in his typically humble way, he’s not quite sure how he achieved it. “I honestly don’t know,” he says, shrugging off the accolade with a smile.

The unique Squad system at Edison School plays a pivotal role in fostering a strong sense of community among the students, and it’s something Tyjuan has thrived in. Each student, including Tyjuan, is randomly assigned to one of the school’s Squads when they enter the building as third graders. These Squads, named after different types of planes to reflect the school’s Bomber mascot—Concorde, Mustang, Falcon, and Blackbird—serve as a mini-community for the students throughout their time at Edison. Tyjuan is part of the “Squadron” that embodies qualities like courage and empathy, traits that the school emphasizes through monthly activities and competitions. It was during one of these events that Tyjuan stood out, earning the title of MVP for his exceptional sportsmanship and squad spirit, a moment of pride that further solidified his leadership role within the school community.

Outside of school and sports, Tyjuan has his sights set on the future, with dreams of possibly becoming a YouTuber or a professional basketball player. He enjoys watching influencers on YouTube, particularly those who focus on gaming, and he’s inspired by their creativity and success. It’s a dream that combines his love for sports with his interest in technology and entertainment, showing the depth and variety of his ambitions.

As Tyjuan continues to grow and explore his interests, one thing is clear: he’s a young man with a bright future ahead of him. Whether he’s cracking jokes with friends, scoring goals on the soccer field, or tackling complex math problems, Tyjuan King approaches life with a blend of seriousness and fun that makes him a true asset to the Edison School community.

In a world where so much is uncertain, it’s comforting to know that there are young people like Tyjuan King who face each day with optimism, humor, and a relentless drive to learn and succeed. For the taxpayers of Macomb, having a student like Tyjuan in their midst is something to be immensely proud of. He represents the best of what a community can hope for in its young people— dedication, kindness, and a readiness to take on the world, one challenge at a time.