May 27, 2021

CARSON CITY, Nev. – 10 of Nevada’s most promising high school students have earned the coveted title of “National Cyber Scholar,” according to the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation.

To earn this recognition, students won a rigorous 48-hour competition designed to evaluate aptitude in combating cyber threats and showcasing the best of what Nevada’s schools have to offer. The 10 Nevada National Cyber Scholars are:

• Jann Arellano, Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology, Reno

• Tyler Du, Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology, Reno

• Austin Finch, Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology, Reno

• Lloyd Gonzales, Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology, Reno

• Cade Romero, Advanced Technologies Academy, Las Vegas

• Victor Gumenyuk, Cimarron-Memorial High School, Las Vegas

• Austin Parkerson, Shadow Ridge High School, Las Vegas

• Claire Burkhardt, Davidson Academy of Nevada, Reno

• Roland List, West Career & Technical Academy, Las Vegas

• Sage Ullman, West Career & Technical Academy, Las Vegas

Over 30,000 high school students across the country sought to qualify for this year’s competition, and only 5,000advanced to the first round. Of those students, only 600 nationwide performed well enough to earn the title “National Cyber Scholars.” Each National Cyber Scholar won a $2,500 scholarship and an invitation to participate in the Cyber Foundations Academy, a multi-week training and certification course.

“I am overjoyed to celebrate our students who have earned the title of National Cyber Scholar,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These students have displayed talent and potential for a high-demand industry, and I am confident they will make a meaningful impact on the future of our State.”

Nevada is one of only four states in the nation with more than 75% of public schools teaching computer science, according to the 2020 State of Computer Science Education: Illuminating Disparities report. The State’s commitment to the integration of technology in education helps to support students in critical skill development.

“Nevada’s educational leaders are committed to STEM education, workforce development programs and innovation,” said Brian Mitchell, Director of the Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation & Technology. “I am extremely proud of the students who have received this title, as they are demonstrating these values in action.”

The National Cyber Scholarship Foundation established the competition to identify rising stars in the cybersecurity industry, and to close the critical cyber security skills gap by developing the next generation of cyber professionals. Cybersecurity is a critical issue facing this country with the potential to impact our nation’s government, defense, communications, and financial systems.

There are several qualification pathways for the National Cyber Scholarship Competition (NCSC) including Cyber Start America, a free online program that helps students discover their interest in cybersecurity and develop their talent and skills. The NCSC offers 600 college scholarships to top-ranking competitors. Additionally, National Cyber Scholars, along with the competition’s 1,000 finalists, are invited to participate in the Cyber Foundations Academy.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.