Our journey in Cybersecurity at UHS begins with a stellar achievement: one of our students emerged as a national cyber finalist. Their achievement not only reflects personal dedication but also underscores the high caliber of talent nurtured within our cybersecurity program. Building on this success, we are proud to announce that four of our students have been recognized as national cyber scholars. As a result, they have earned invaluable access to this summer’s Cyber Foundations Academy, a prestigious opportunity valued at over $3,000. This recognition not only celebrates their individual prowess but also highlights the comprehensive support and resources available within our program.

In addition to these outstanding individual achievements, our cybersecurity class has actively participated in multiple prominent cyber competitions. One notable event was the International Cyberdefense Competition hosted by Iowa State, which featured participants from Kosovo alongside renowned institutions like DePaul and the University of Kansas. This cross-cultural engagement not only tested our skills but also fostered invaluable connections and insights into global cybersecurity challenges. Furthermore, our students showcased their prowess at LooCon in Waterloo, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex cybersecurity scenarios with finesse and expertise. Finally, we made our mark in the high school cyberdefense competition at Iowa State, where we secured a commendable 7th place out of 13 teams.

Throughout our journey, we’ve had the privilege of hosting esteemed guest speakers who have enriched our understanding and inspired us to reach greater heights. Dr. Doug Jacobson, a distinguished professor at Iowa State University and the Director of the ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach, shared invaluable insights into cutting-edge cybersecurity research and industry trends. We were also fortunate to learn from Trevor Kems, a penetration tester at Waterleaf International, whose real-world experiences illuminated the nuances of ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment. Additionally, Jacob McLain, a Systems Security Engineer at Bankers Trust, provided invaluable perspectives on cybersecurity practices in the financial sector, enriching our knowledge base and professional aspirations.

As we celebrate the achievements of our cybersecurity class, it’s worth noting that this year marks the program’s third successful year. This milestone underscores our commitment to long-term excellence and continuous growth. Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce that two of our students are poised to embark on an exciting journey at Iowa State University, majoring in cybersecurity engineering. Their success not only reflects the caliber of education and mentorship within our program but also signifies a bright future for cybersecurity innovation and leadership.

Many thanks to UHS Math and Engineering Design Teacher Sarah Jacques for sharing this article. If you’d like to learn more about the UHS Cybersecurity Team, please contact Sarah at jacquess@urbandaleschools.com

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