The cybersecurity department at Blacksburg High School is celebrating a major win this week after one of its own climbed the state leaderboards in a display of technical precision. Nathan Smith recently secured 7th place in the Virginia state rankings for his Excel 365 certification.
The criteria for the award are notoriously difficult to meet. To rank in the top ten, Smith had to do more than pass the exam; he had to earn a perfect score while demonstrating superior mastery of complex formulas and functions. Completion time also factored into the metrics, with Smith's efficiency on the platform setting him apart from hundreds of other students statewide.
This success has also brought a renewed spotlight to the faculty. Jay Mathis, who leads the cybersecurity cohorts at BHS, was once again named a Virginia Outstanding Educator by Microsoft and Certiport. Mathis attributes the honor directly to his students' hard work, noting that the award reflects the high marks and certifications earned by the class as a whole this year.