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Cactus High's Star Student Dazzles as Keynote Speaker at National Cybersecurity Conference
Photo courtesy of Peoria Unified School District
The decision to invite Cougarjade as a keynote speaker was a nod to his exceptional skill set in cybersecurity, n a showcase of talent and expertise, Cactus High his inspiring career aspirations post-graduation, his capSchool senior, Cougarjade Reyes, was a keynote tivating story, and his prowess as a public speaker. His speaker at the prestigious NICE K12 Cybersecurity nomination for the role came from Cactus High School Education Conference in Phoenix this month. teacher, Ken Mattern, with strong backing from his Air Held on December 4 and 5, the conference was a gath- Force Junior ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Roel Zamora. ering of the nation’s brightest minds in cybersecurity education, where Cougarjade’s participation marked a Joining Cougarjade in representing Cactus High at the significant milestone for Cactus High and its students. conference was junior Tyler Black, who participated in the student panel. Tyler, as described by a teacher, emCougarjade, a standout in his school in the cybersebodies the 'Cobra spirit' through his unique approach curity field, earned his place on this esteemed platform to merging cybersecurity, STEM, leadership, and innothrough a series of impressive accomplishments. In vation to create successful opportunities for his peers 2022, he was the proud recipient of the Cactus High and the community. School’s Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) Cyber The NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Conference is Academy Scholarship. His skills and leadership abilities known for bringing together innovative educators and also earned him the top rank among 150 ambassadors professionals from across the country. The conference at the Hugh O’Brien Youth AZ Seminar that same year. serves as a vital platform for exploring cybersecurity His expertise in cybersecurity caught national attencareers and pathways, inspiring a new generation to tion, with an online feature in "Computer Science for become the future workforce in this critical field. All," highlighting his role in an AJFROTC Demonstration Project aimed at expanding high school students' For more information, visit k12cybersecurityconference. org. exposure to cybersecurity education.
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Tyler Black and Cougarjade Reyes
CUSD Transportation Dives into Victory at Chandler Parade of Lights! Photo courtesy of Chandler Unified School District
popular “Baby Shark” song and the classic “Yellow Submarine” uess who swam to the top tune. at the Chandler Parade The judges were so impressed of Lights? The Chandler that they awarded the team not Unified School District (CUSD) one, but two top prizes! CUSD Transportation team. They made Transportation won first place in waves at the community event the “Best Lit Community Group” with their “Baby Shark” and category and also bagged the “Yellow Submarine”-themed "Judge's Choice" award. float! The team will be honored with On December 2, the streets of an award recognition ceremony Chandler turned into a sea of on January 8. The ceremony will lights and colors. Among the be held in the City of Chandler's many wonderful displays, there Council Chambers. was one that caught everyone's Kids and parents alike love the eye – a float that looked like it CUSD Transportation team for sailed right out of a cartoon! The CUSD Transportation team, their dedication and holiday spirit. It's not just about driving known for taking kids to school buses; it's about bringing joy and safely, showed their creative smiles to the community. Their side by decorating their float parade float showed just how with twinkling lights and fun decorations inspired by the creative and fun they can be.
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8 | DECEMBER 2023 | EPIC KIDS
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