Cyber security students at Springfield-Clark CTC named semi-finalists in STEM competition

Several Clark County students in the Cyber Security program at the Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (CTC) have been named as semi-finalists in a STEM competition.

Springfield-Clark CTC is the only semi-finalist team in the state of Ohio in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition that challenges students in grades 6-12 to show how STEM can be applied to help improve their communities, according to a release from the school.

“Real world applications and hands-on learning are key components of the engaging educational experience we offer at Springfield-Clark CTC,” said Superintendent Michelle Patrick. “This project is an exceptional example of how students can be empowered through their learning to explore and implement solutions to key issues affecting our communities.”

The students, who are led by instructor Mrs. Angela Yake, have earned a $15,000 prize for being semi-finalists in the competition, which will be used for technology and classroom supplies for the Cyber Security program. They will continue in the contest working towards the opportunity to earn up to $130,000 in prizes.

The team includes twelve Level I students: Grayce Tipton, Victoria McFadden, Jay Lee, Nathan Dirlam, Hunter Cantrell, Austin Keyton, Owen Kojola, Bryce Dray, Samual Hendershot, Shane Sprinkle, Shakor Gilbert and Joshua Weng, the release stated.

Yake’s students, who were inspired by the coronavirus pandemic, chose to pursue technology solutions to make students feel more connected to the classroom when they are learning at home such as augmented and virtual reality, the release stated. The project’s applications can be extended to provide solutions for high-risk individuals, including those who are elderly or immune-deficient, to connect with family and friends.

In the semi-finalist round, the students worked to complete a project video and 10 national finalists will be selected. The finalist videos will be part of a Community Choice voting contest where they pitch their demo or prototype to a judging panel. Three national winners will then be selected.

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