Mikah's 15 years were a testament to his passions and curiosity. At 6 years old, he helped found the "Electric Kids Club" to gather other homeschoolers interested in electronics. Next, he found a second home among the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, where he earned his gray belt after four years of training. In his desire to create more friendships, Mikah entered Tigard High School, where he joined the snowboarding club and robotics team. His first friendship, however, was with his younger brother, Noah, and formed the basis of how he pursued his other relationships — with humor and a deep sense of loyalty.
His relentless pursuit of truth, combined with his unique wit and humor, made him a beloved friend and a source of inspiration for many. Until his untimely passing, Mikah was diligently working on expressing his love and affection for others more openly; He was constantly striving for personal growth and to embody the best qualities of humanity. Mikah's loss will be felt by many more hearts than he could have imagined.
Mikah's curiosity about the world around him was boundless, and his fascination with space exploration was a cornerstone of his intellectual journey. He was captivated by the Kerbal Space Program, using the game to explore his passion for rocketry and space flight. Mikah eagerly dove into learning about real-world rocketry, blending his knowledge from the virtual world with the awe-inspiring possibilities of real space missions.
At 11yo, Mikah used the Kerbal Space Program to build and successfully launch a model of an orbiting rocket, and also created a replica of the International Space Station (ISS), showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and his drive to push boundaries. Mikah's love for the stars and space exploration was a manifestation of his desire to explore the unknown, and his spirit will now venture beyond the limits of Earth in a journey that mirrors his boundless curiosity and endless potential.
Mikah is survived by his little brother, Noah Cavalcanti-Chun, his mother, Sara Chun, and father, Benjamin Cavalcanti. -
--------
A story by Mikah Sage Cavalcanti-Chun (c) 2024:
Don’t make deals with wizards. That is the only conclusion I have gathered from this encounter. On a hot summer night, in mid-August, dreaming peacefully, I saw a tall man in a grey cloak. He appeared, not part of my dream, but definitely inside it. Approaching me, and without much introduction, the wizard from the dream world offered a gift:
“One wish, dreamer, and one condition.”
Your voice trembled as you spoke your heart’s desire: “Adventure.”
The wizard’s eyes glinted, and he nodded. “Adventure it shall be.”
In an instant, I was transported to a mystical jungle. Bleak walls dissolved into lush foliage, living vines chasing each other through valleys. The ceiling stretched into a verdant canopy, sunlight diffusing through leaves. And perched high atop tree branches, flying squirrels lay, their eyes beady and mistrustful.
“Explore,” the wizard whispered, as you stepped into the jungle. The air hummed with magic, and each step carried you deeper. You broke into a run, leaves brushing your cheeks. The squirrels chattered, guiding you toward hidden paths.
“Beware, my one condition adventurer: this adventure has a price. For every secret you uncover, each adventure you take, a memory fades. A moment from reality lost forever. And when you return, will you remember your name? Your past? Or will you be lost, forever one with this enchanted realm? This is my condition. Find the key of crystal and return it here, or face the dire consequences of lingering in this realm.”
My heart sank, remembering his condition, and I stumbled to the ground in shock. I tried to pinch myself, jump, anything to return to the real world, but it was useless.