Mr. Chris Helmsen, a recent 2022 Seneca Valley graduate, has been named a National Cyber Scholar by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation (NCSF) for his performance in a challenging online cybersecurity training program.  

Mr. Helmsen competed for a top score against thousands of high school students across the nation by solving real-world cybersecurity problems. Over 45,000 students nationwide sought to qualify for a National Cyber Scholarship. 

As a result of his achievement, Mr. Helmsen is one of only 20 students in the state that has earned a $3,000 scholarship to attend the Cyber Foundations Academy, a multi-week online program based on the nationally recognized SANS Foundations training course and certification. At the end of this course, he’ll take the GFACT exam to earn his GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies certification and become eligible to compete for the title of National Cyber Scholar with Honors. 

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,” noted David Brown, executive director, National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. “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.” 

“I’m very impressed by Christopher’s accomplishment. His discipline, rigor and persistence in learning the necessary skills to complete these cybersecurity challenges have been unparalleled.  Chris has shown incredible growth over the past few years, and I’m excited to see where he goes from here,” said Mr. Dean Walker, Seneca Valley Senior High School Gifted Support teacher. 

To learn more about CyberStart America, visit their website at www.cyberstartamerica.org. 

6/2/22