Reaching for the Stars: 14-Year-Old Noah Lyons' Journey from Westwind Alternate School to University Physics

In an inspiring achievement, 14-year-old Noah Lyons from Westwind Alternate School in Raymond, Alberta, has been accepted into the University of Lethbridge's Physics program, starting in fall 2025. This accomplishment highlights Noah's determination, intellectual curiosity, and the impact of a supportive family and educational system in fostering academic success.

For Noah, university acceptance felt like a logical progression. While most teenagers his age are just beginning high school, Noah will soon be walking the halls of the University of Lethbridge, diving into astrophysics and exploring the mysteries of the universe.

"It felt like it was just the natural step in my education at this point," he shared. "It didn't feel stressful—it was very calming. I just felt that it was the best option for me."

Noah's choice to attend the University of Lethbridge was influenced by its astrophysics department and proximity to his home, allowing him to pursue his studies while staying close to family. 

A Lifelong Curiosity

Noah's fascination with the world around him has been apparent since early childhood. Before formally studying physics, he was drawn to understanding how things worked. "I've always been interested in the functionality of the things around me," he said. "Even from a young age, I was taking things apart, trying to put them back together, and seeing how they worked." This curiosity evolved into a deep interest in black holes and particle physics. "The larger, more mysterious parts of the universe are what fascinate me," explained Noah.

Support from Westwind Alternate School and the PEP and Outreach Programs

Westwind Alternate School played a pivotal role in nurturing Noah's academic journey. Through its PEP (Personalized Education Program) and Outreach initiatives, the school provides a flexible and individualized educational approach that aligns with each student's pace and interests. These programs allowed Noah to accelerate his studies while engaging with his subjects in ways that leveraged his curiosity.

"Westwind was a huge help in accelerating my learning, mainly because of the flexibility and acceptance of the teachers I worked with," he shared. "I could create schedules based on how much I was accelerating, and if I needed to slow down, the schedule could easily be adjusted."

Chris Goble, Vice Principal at Westwind Alternate School and Noah's teacher for the past three years, says, "The decision to accelerate Noah arose because of his passion for digital design programs. His enthusiasm couldn't be curbed—he integrated this work into every subject. In high school, we just kept this going, steering him toward more foundational "why questions." Noah was challenged to think about how English, Social Studies, and other subjects could be completed with a scientific lens.

Noah's formal journey into physics began with a joint program between Westwind Alternate and Raymond High School. In the traditional classroom, he worked closely with a dedicated physics teacher, Mr. Spencer Wenzel, who shared Noah's passion for science and inquiry. Daily classes helped Noah grasp advanced concepts and created a structured frame for deep questions about science and the universe.

A Family Effort

Noah's journey has been a family affair, with his mother, Tobi, playing a critical role. Tobi, who homeschooled Noah, emphasized that she supported his interests fully. "We didn't hold him back," Tobi said. "If he wanted to spend ten hours on something he was passionate about, we let him. Why slow him down when he was ready to learn more? We accelerated his education when he was ready, and Westwind Alternate School gave us the flexibility to do so."

Tobi's collaboration with Westwind Alternate School was essential. She attended Noah's classes and worked with teachers to ensure a cohesive learning experience. "It was about being part of his journey and seeing firsthand what he needed," she shared. "That partnership made a huge difference. Westwind has been trailblazing in supporting homeschooling and alternate education. The school division was courageous in supporting alternate schooling and providing resources. They understand that a single system can't support all students."

Looking Ahead

As Noah prepares for university, he looks forward to exploring astrophysics and theoretical physics. He hopes to work with the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, the team responsible for capturing the first-ever images of black holes. His diverse interests also extend to digital design and 3D modelling, where he applies the same curiosity that drives his studies in physics.

Westwind Alternate School's PEP and Outreach programs have played a crucial role in helping Noah reach his potential, accommodating his unique learning style, and offering resources that meet his needs. Noah has been able to pursue his passions without limitations, inspiring other students, parents, and teachers to think beyond traditional educational pathways.

Westwind School Division is proud of Noah's accomplishment and the example he sets. His story reminds us that young minds can achieve extraordinary things with support and dedication.