The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation recognizes the following four Coffee High School students for outstanding achievement: Donnie “D.J” Bussey, Lathan Burgess, Francisco Nunez, and Pablo Nunez.
Donnie “D.J.” Bussey, a 12th grader, Francisco Nunez, also a 12th grader, Pablo Nunez, an 11th grader, and Lathan Burgess, a 10th grader at Coffee High School, have been named Scholars by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation (NCSF) for their performance in a challenging online cybersecurity training program. In recognition of their achievement, they have each earned an invitation to participate in the Cyber Foundations Academy – a multi-week online program based on the nationally recognized SANS Foundations training course and certification – valued at more than $3,000 each! In addition, they also won laptops along the way and a $500 prize!
Donnie and Franciso both plan to attend college in the fall to pursue study related to cybersecurity and computer science related fields.
These students competed for a top score against thousands of high school students across the nation by solving real-world cybersecurity problems. Over 40,000 students nationwide and sought to qualify for a National Cyber Scholarship.
“I am very proud of each of these students and their determination to excel and compete against students from all across the nation,” said Brandy Barlow, their computer science teacher at Coffee High. “It has excited me to no end to have four of them qualify for cybersecurity scholarships this year!”
“I am very proud to be named a Scholar in the National Cyber Scholarship Competition,” said Bussey. I am thrilled to be invited to the Cyber Foundations Academy to continue my cybersecurity education.”
“I’m thrilled about the adventures that this opportunity has provided me and look forward to advancing my knowledge of cybersecurity this summer in the program provided to me by Cyber Foundations Academy,” said Pablo Nunez.
“I’m happy that I’ve had the opportunity to participate in this awesome program this school year. I look forward to learning even more about cybersecurity this summer and beyond,” said Burgess.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity that this program has given me. It was awesome to be able to win a $500 cash prize, scholarship, laptop, and a trip to Dahlonega, GA!” said Franciso Nunez.
The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation recognizes high school students who have demonstrated exceptional cybersecurity prowess and who wish to pursue a career in a growing field in critical need of their talent. The NCSF mission is to identify and develop the next generation of cyber professionals. Each and every student who participated in this competition has the potential to develop their skills and build a successful career in cybersecurity.
There are several qualification pathways to gain a National Cyber Scholarship, including CyberStart America, a free online program that helps students discover their interest in cybersecurity and develop their talent and skills. The NCSF offers $5 million in scholarships to top-ranking competitors. The highest-scoring eligible CyberStart players will become National Cyber Scholars and will be invited to participate in the Cyber Foundations Academy. To learn more visit: National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.
In addition to these awards, Coffee High had one of the highest percentage totals of eligible student bodies registering for CyberStart America. As a result, Coffee High was named a district of distinction and received the title of Cyber Opportunity School with a prize of $2500 for furthering cybersecurity training in the upcoming school year. Three additional students were also recognized and rewarded from Coffee High School for their high scores in the CyberStart game. These students include Damaris Ortiz, Rolando Munoz and Ashton Gillespie. They also won a laptop and a $500, $250, and $100 prize respectively.