Ahaziah Kirkwood describes himself in three simple words: “laid back, aware, funny.”

But ask what people should know about him first, and his answer comes quickly.

“I make music.”

For Kirkwood, music isn’t just a hobby. It’s a discipline, a creative outlet, and part of a daily routine that starts before most of his classmates are awake.

From Clarinet to Rap

Kirkwood’s musical journey didn’t begin with a microphone. It began in sixth grade with instruments.

“I started out learning clarinet and saxophone,” Kirkwood said. “Then, I moved toward guitar and piano.”

Over time, that foundation shifted into rap, where he found a voice that felt like his own. Today, he edits music most mornings from 6:30 to 7 a.m., building tracks before heading to school.

A typical day for Kirkwood is tightly structured.
6:30 a.m. — wake up and edit music.
7:00 a.m. — get ready for school.
7:40 a.m. — leave for school.
After school — head straight to the gym.
Later — networking and building connections.

What most people don’t see, he says, is “how much effort I put in.”

Finding Confidence Through Speech

While music sharpened his creativity, competitive speech sharpened his confidence.

“Taking competitive speech changed me for the better,” Kirkwood said. “It built a lot of confidence in me. It helped me speak. I used to be nervous.”

He credits Ms. Alaquinez for pushing him beyond his comfort zone. “She was on my back,” he said with a smile. “She made me do it.”

“Ahaziah was willing to show up,” Alaquinez said. “He has the type of intelligence that sees patterns in behavior and links them to a solid conclusion. He can write amazing cross-examination questions, that others would not think about because he is capable of seeing the bigger picture.”

The experience transformed Kirkwood from someone who felt nervous speaking to someone who now confidently performs and expresses himself — whether in front of a crowd or through his music.

Passion in the Gym

Right now, Kirkwood says he’s most passionate about working out.

His motivation? Missing football.

“I got out, because I thought I would end up being too small,” he said. “I wish I hadn’t.”

Rather than dwell on regret, Kirkwood has turned that energy into discipline. The gym has become a grounding place — a way to stay focused, control what he can control.

When asked who inspires him most, his answer reflects that mindset.

“Right now, results. Possibilities.”

Kirkwood watches what he eats. He trains consistently. And he channels frustration into progress.

Breaking New Ground

One of Kirkwood’s proudest accomplishments this year is earning scholarships to attend Arkansas State University. He will be the first in his family to go to college.

After graduation, he plans to major in radiology. At the same time, he recognizes that music remains a powerful possibility in his life.

“I also have the potential to do music,” he said.

Balancing both paths speaks to his practical ambition: pursue a stable career while continuing to build creatively.

Loyalty and Perception

Kirkwood says one challenge he faces is watching “people playing roles they haven’t really earned.” Instead of reacting with resentment, he tries to approach it differently.

“I take it in and look at how to benefit others. I try to be selfless.”

Kirkwood is also aware of how others sometimes misjudge him.

“A lot of people think I’m dumb,” he said. “But I’m smart.”

Ask his friends how they would describe him, and the answer shifts the narrative: honest, trustworthy, real. His team, v2, is a source of support.

“Great people,” he said. “A lot of love spread around.”

Leaving a Legacy

When asked what he hopes people remember him for, his answer isn’t about music awards or gym milestones.

“Being who I am. Being reliable and trustworthy. If you need an ear, I’m there.”

In a world that often rewards volume, Kirkwood strives for something steadier: consistency, discipline, and quiet growth.

If you’ve gotten to know him through his high school career, you may have noticed him to be laid back. If you’ve had class with him, you may have noticed he’s aware and, at times, funny. But most of all, Ahaziah Kirkwood is intentional — and just getting started, so if you haven’t met him yet, introduce yourself.