The CyberPatriot Competition is the largest cyber defense competition in the nation, where high school and middle school students are tasked with securing virtual networks through various challenges. In this collaborative environment, students work together to navigate a virtual simulation filled with challenges, issues, and vulnerabilities found in computer systems that they must fix or secure.
Kelly Walsh High School has three Cyber Patriot teams, including an ROTC division team. As a team, students work together on a challenge simulating a problem a real organization or company may have. Each team is comprised of specialty groups, including operations and networking, where students can navigate and explore specific areas of cyber security. Students complete the work through a virtual simulation with challenges, issues, and vulnerabilities found on computer systems they need to fix or secure. Students are also given opportunities to simulate real business operating systems and identify the correct solutions for their success.
While preparing for this year's competition, the students developed a checklist detailing various network vulnerabilities to look for as they worked through the simulation. For Tre Weant, collaborating with his peers is one of the highlights of the competition, “Being part of the CyberPatriot team enhances our teamwork and problem-solving skills. Many of these challenges are ones we haven’t encountered before, so we all work together to figure out how to tackle them. We discuss what to research to find the answers we need and explore different approaches to solve the problems.”
Teston Jiminez appreciates the challenges and inspiration the competitions offer students to grow and excel as learners and leaders, “For me, when things are too easy, it is not really fun. When it comes to this competition, we don't always know what we are doing, and we are learning as we go, and that is what makes it fun. It keeps me coming back because I think, 'Woah, I learned this.' I enjoy that it is a learning experience.”
Many members of the KWHS CyberPatriots team plan to explore a future in the technology industry. Parker McCormick views this experience as a valuable qualification to set himself up for continued success in his future, “Being involved in these competitions is really good to put on a resume or job application, regardless of what you want to do. Showing that you have this knowledge and experience where others might not.”
Sean Quan joined the team for the first time this year, eager to take advantage of the many high school opportunities available to him. He expressed, “I have learned that there are many security vulnerabilities in computers. There are numerous measures to implement in order to secure a system. Even small game applications can lead to serious issues. Learning more about cybersecurity has been a great experience.”
“CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future.” (https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/).
The KWHS Cyberpatriot team will continue to showcase their excellence and skills in upcoming rounds of esteemed competitions throughout the school year. Progressing in their learning and competitive skills, students will participate in two additional rounds before the semi-final competition, leading to Nationals.
Keep up the excellent work, Trojans!
Kelly Walsh High School is committed to preparing all students for their next step by creating high expectations, academic rigor, and personal responsibility.