North Point High School’s Cyber Patriot team has proven itself among the nation’s top high school cybersecurity competitors, securing an eighth-place finish in a rigorous national competition that put students’ technical knowledge and problem-solving skills to the test. Competing against more than 200 teams in the Gold Division of the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program, North Point’s team demonstrated strong collaboration and expertise in securing digital systems.
CyberPatriot, a program developed by the Air & Space Forces Association, serves as the largest cybersecurity competition for middle and high school students in the United States. What began in 2009 with just eight teams has grown into a worldwide challenge, with over 5,100 students participating in this year’s event. The goal of the competition is to encourage young people to pursue careers in cybersecurity and other STEM-related fields by exposing them to real-world security challenges.
The competition tasks students with identifying and fixing cybersecurity vulnerabilities within simulated operating systems while ensuring critical functions remain operational. Teams must work together to secure digital environments while facing complex scenarios that mirror those encountered by cybersecurity professionals.
North Point’s team, made up of students from the school’s Cisco Networking and cybersecurity Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, dedicated extensive time to preparing for the event. They met regularly after school and during the school’s designated activity period to refine their skills and develop strategies for tackling cybersecurity threats.
According to Naquai Roundtree, Ph.D., a cybersecurity teacher and co-sponsor of the team, their success was built on teamwork and a commitment to continuous learning. “Our team was successful in the competition due to their strong collaboration, effective communication, and deep knowledge of the subject matter,” Roundtree said. “The team spent a considerable amount of time practicing, learning from one another, and leveraging each team member’s strengths.”
North Point’s placement in the top ten reflects the growing strength of its cybersecurity program and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the field. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, programs like CyberPatriot are essential in preparing students for careers in national security, information technology, and cyber defense.
The team’s achievement highlights the school’s investment in STEM education, equipping students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in a competitive job market. Their top-ten ranking is not just a testament to their technical abilities but also their ability to work under pressure in a high-stakes environment.
As North Point continues to build on its success, the Cyber Patriot team’s strong showing in this year’s competition sets a high standard for future competitors. Their dedication and problem-solving skills have put them on the national stage, proving that the next generation of cybersecurity experts is already making an impact.
