Empowering the Next Generation: Audra Yocom’s Mission to Transform Tech Education

When it comes to inspiring students in technology, few do it like Audra Yocom.

Audra Yocom was recognized by the Women Tech Council as a finalist for the 2024 Women Tech Awards in the Education category. With nearly a decade of experience teaching at Pleasant Grove High School, Yocom is a leader in Utah’s Alpine School District — not just in the classroom but across the region’s tech education programs. She has helped shape curriculum, build new learning models, and launch opportunities that didn’t exist before. Along the way, she’s become a mentor and role model to hundreds of students discovering their futures in computer science and IT.

Yocom grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and graduated from nearby American Fork High School. After attending Brigham Young University, she explored a variety of career paths — including a stint in civil engineering — before turning toward education.

“I often wondered if there was something that was a better fit,” she says. Her interest in computer science was first sparked by her mom, a computer teacher who helped her see the possibilities early on. “Especially as a girl in a class full of boys, it can be intimidating. I got super lucky that my mom was there.”

While serving as a TA, Yocom had what she calls her “aha moment.” She realized she didn’t just like coding — she loved helping others understand it. “Why don’t you become a teacher? You enjoy this. You’ve taught swimming lessons. Why not?” she recalls. That moment led her to pursue a degree in Technology and Engineering Education at BYU.

Now, Yocom brings that same moment of discovery into her own classroom. “My biggest thing is: You can do hard things. Like the quote on my wall — ‘keep moving forward,’” she says. “It’s more meaningful when students have those aha moments themselves.”

Her teaching philosophy encourages students to take charge of their learning. Whether it’s building apps or designing game mods, she urges students to explore what excites them — and use tech as a tool to enhance it.

She’s also had a major role in expanding esports in Utah schools. As part of the Ken Garff Esports program and in partnership with the Success in Education Foundation, Yocom helped establish and grow statewide participation. “Even though I’m not a gamer — my biggest claim to fame was beating Frogger — I saw how esports created connection,” she says.

Yocom believes esports can be a bridge between students and parents. “I think it would surprise parents how much their student would open up if they showed a shared interest in esports,” she says.

One of her latest efforts is a new district-wide course called Advanced CS & IT. The class uses WebEx to connect students from multiple high schools across Alpine District in real-time. Each participating teacher leads different modules — meaning students gain exposure to a wide range of topics and instructors. “In one class period, I might have students from seven different schools learning five different things, all at the same time,” Yocom explains.

This innovative format has quadrupled the number of tech-related CTE courses available to students across the district — a major leap in accessibility and course variety.

For Yocom, the real reward comes when students stay in touch and share their paths into tech careers. “I just love when students come back and say I helped them see what was possible,” she says.

Her advice to students? “Even if you fail, get up, dust yourself off, and try again. Don’t be afraid to explore.”

It’s a mindset she lives by — and one she’s passed on to a growing generation of tech-savvy Utah students ready to keep moving forward.

SheTech Media Interns, Lynny Gibson and Kate Topham, have participated in SheTech programs, including the SheTech-TechBuzz Media Internship this past year for which they’ve interviewed and written about Women Tech Finalists and Awardees. Their work is published on TechBuzz News, Silicon Slopes, and other media channels.

Lynny attends Taylorsville High School in the Granite School District serves as a SheTech Student Board member, a Keys to Success Ambassador, and has been recognized as a participant in Distinguished Young Women of Utah. Passionate about lacrosse, Lynny plays on Taylorsville’s emerging team and brings that same energy to her academic and leadership pursuits. Through the SheTech TechBuzz internship, she enjoys connecting with inspiring industry professionals across Utah. Lynny plans to pursue a career in Business Management and Administration.

Kate recently graduated from Lone Peak High School, where she led the SheTech chapter for the past three years, taught Science to the academic decathlon team, founded the Chinese Language Honor Society, and was named Sterling Scholar in the Science.

Red Bull has added VALORANT champion and content creator Tyson “TenZ” Ngo to its competitive gaming lineup, the company announced Tuesday. TenZ joins the Red Bull VALORANT roster alongside Tarik “tarik” Çelik, Melanie “meL” Hoi-San Man and the Sentinels organization.

With a combined following of nearly 11.8 million across social platforms, Ngo emerged as one of VALORANT’s most influential figures as the game’s popularity surged. His poised performances under high stakes helped Sentinels complete an undefeated run at VCT Masters Reykjavik in 2021, marking the first global LAN event in the game’s history and cementing his status as a leading competitor.

After stepping away from professional play at the close of 2024, TenZ has maintained his prominence as a top-ranked Twitch streamer and entrepreneur. He leveraged his esports reputation to launch a line of gaming peripherals, extending his reach into hardware design and consumer products. His continued success in streaming and merchandise reflects a growing trend of pro players who parlay in-game achievements into long-term brand partnerships.

TenZ’s career arc—from Counter-Strike prospect to VALORANT world champion—illustrates the evolving landscape of esports, where performance and personality intersect. His disciplined approach to practice and content creation resonates with a new generation of gamers seeking sustainable careers beyond competition. This philosophy aligns with Red Bull’s strategy to support talent capable of shaping the broader gaming culture.

Born May 5, 2001, in Vancouver, TenZ is 24 years old and holds Canadian citizenship. His precision aiming and calm demeanor have defined his playstyle, earning him recognition among peers and fans alike. As he transitions fully into content creation under Red Bull’s banner, TenZ is poised to influence both competitive circuits and online entertainment for years to come.

Global esports company Team Liquid announced a new partnership with Zenni Optical, naming the leading online retailer as its official eyewear partner.

The partnership marks a shared commitment to protecting eye health in esports while offering fans and players stylish, high-performance eyewear at an accessible price.

As digital competition intensifies and screen time increases, the need for eye care in gaming is growing in importance. This partnership reflects a mutual vision: prioritizing the health and performance of gamers without compromising on style or affordability.

As part of the collaboration, Zenni will release an exclusive Team Liquid eyewear collection, combining Zenni’s innovative frame and lens technologies with Team Liquid’s creative identity. As leaders in the health and performance of esports athletes, Team Liquid’s eyewear collection will focus on reducing gaming-related complications without compromising comfort and style. Fans will also gain access to exclusive discounts, further enhancing the value Zenni brings to the gaming community.

“Our players’ vision is just as critical as their mechanics. Partnering with Zenni lets us elevate both health and performance, while giving our fans access to affordable eyewear that looks and feels great,” said Steve Arhancet, co-CEO of Team Liquid, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring this partnership to life, both on and off the stage.”

Four Team Liquid stars from its League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and fighting game rosters will lead Team Liquid’s content and messaging — highlighting their favorite frames on stream and across social media, while reinforcing the importance of eye health at every level of competitive gaming.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing health, performance, and innovation in the gaming and esports space,” said Robb Chiarini, head of partnerships, licensing, and events at Zenni Optical, in a statement. “Team Liquid is not only a leader in competitive excellence, but also in championing player wellness and long-term sustainability within the industry. We’re proud to support their athletes and fans with products that enhance visual clarity, comfort, and style.”

The partnership announcement will roll out across Team Liquid’s official social channels, with additional content and behind-the-scenes activations to follow throughout the year.

Team Liquid is an esports and gaming organization founded in 2000 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and led by its founder and co-CEO Victor Goossens, and Arhancet. The organization has 96 athletes competing across multiple esports titles, including League of Legends, CounterStrike2, Dota 2, Valorant, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, PUBG: Mobile, and more. It has won more than $54 million in prize money from over 7,000 tournaments throughout its history.

In addition to its premier esports team franchises, Liquid Enterprises operates various business units created to complement its athletic brand. This includes a white-label apparel business, working within the wider entertainment and music industry with musicians like DeadMau5, the world’s most popular esports wiki Liquipedia, and a full-service white-label agency; LiquidMedia with clients such as Riot Games and Nike.

In September 2016, controlling interest in Team Liquid was purchased by esports ownership group, AXiomatic. AXiomatic leadership includes co-executive Chairmen Peter Guber, Ted Leonsis, Jeff Vinik, and Bruce Karsh.

Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers adults and children the freedom to express their personality through a large collection of high-quality prescription, non-prescription and protective glasses and sunglasses curated with a sense of fashion and dynamic style. With complete prescription pairs starting at under $10, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. It has sold over 51 million frames sold worldwide.

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BANGKOK, June 17, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – Talon Academy delivered an outstanding performance to claim the winner of RoV, emerging victorious in a historic match at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament). The event was filled with excitement and enthusiasm from gamers and esports fans from across the country at BEAT Active BITEC BURI.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), stated that the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT, one of the key initiatives under the depa ESPORTS Project, has now reached its Grand Final. Throughout the project, more than 6,500 young participants joined various competitions, including sub-events such as depa ESPORTS IN SCHOOL and depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT which included the Daily Tournament, Influencer Tournament, and Regional Tournament -well surpassing the initial goal of 5,000 participants. depa recognizes the dedication, talent, and potential of all competitors, including their gaming skills, creativity, strategic thinking, teamwork, and sportsmanship. These qualities demonstrate that esports is more than just playing games. It’s a valuable opportunity for learning, development, and growth, both on an individual level and as part of a team.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon further stated that the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT is not merely a stage to crown esports champions, but also a crucial opportunity for Thai youth to showcase their potential, determination, and ambition to pursue careers as professional esports athletes or in other roles within the industry. At the same time, the tournament serves as a source of inspiration for young people with dreams of entering the esports world. It also plays a key role in driving the sustainable growth of Thailand’s esports ecosystem and acts as a small yet significant gear in advancing the country’s digital economy toward true international competitiveness.

The highlight of the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) was the intense competition in the popular game Arena of Valor (RoV), featuring 16 up-and-coming esports teams representing eight regions across the country, selected from the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Regional Tournament) stage. For the Grand Final, depa and its network of partners transformed the venue into a spectacular esports arena, allowing everyone to experience the thrill and excitement of a competitive atmosphere that closely mirrors international standards. The excitement peaked during the final match, which was broadcasted with live commentary by two of Thailand’s top shoutcasters, BrightO and SunWaltz.

Throughout the competition, each team showcased their capabilities in precise game control, strategic planning, quick decision-making, and effective teamwork under pressure. The team that demonstrated outstanding technical skills and professionalism, rising above the rest, was awarded the championship title of the 2025 depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT. depa sincerely hopes that today’s tournament will serve as a powerful source of inspiration, igniting the dreams of a new generation of youth who are passionate about esports.

The winners of the RoV competition at the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) are as follows:

– The Winner: Talon Academy – awarded 300,000 THB, a championship trophy, and special prizes from Intel

– 1st Runner-up: Dream – awarded 150,000 THB, a trophy of honor, and special prizes from COM7

– 2nd Runner-up: Hater x Doo White – awarded 50,000 THB, a trophy of honor, and special prizes from COM7

– 3rd Runner-up: Introvert – awarded 20,000 THB and special prizes from COM7

– 5th-8th Place: each team received 10,000 THB

– 9th-15th Place: each team received 5,000 THB

“The concept behind organizing the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT began in 2018, driven by depa’s commitment to challenging negative perceptions surrounding gaming and esports. We firmly believe that ‘kids who play games are not bad kids. With the right support and guidance, they can become world-class athletes or pursue other professional paths in the esports industry, building careers, generating income, and gaining societal recognition. Therefore, the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT is not just a platform to showcase the potential of youth, but a key mechanism for developing the industry, creating opportunities, and reshaping society’s views on esports. It also aims to raise awareness and promote positive attitudes toward esports-related careers, while enhancing the capabilities of Thailand’s esports industry to reach international standards,” said the President and CEO of depa.

The implementation of the depa ESPORTS project has been made possible through strong collaboration with Garena Online (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with various partner organizations that have helped drive the project’s activities toward success. Those interested can view the list of winning teams from the depa ESPORTS TOURNAMENT (Grand Final Tournament) and stay updated on news and upcoming activities from the depa ESPORTS project by visiting www.depa.or.th , LINE OA: depaThailand, and the Facebook Page: depa Thailand.

Source: Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa Thailand)

Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.

Valley Christian High School’s Rocket League team capped a perfect season with a PlayVS Cup national championship, showcasing faith, teamwork, and esports excellence.

• The Arizona Interscholastic Association has seen significant growth in esports, with over 100 schools participating.

When Chandler Valley Christian High School’s esports Rocket League team began its journey this season, few could have predicted how far it would go.