Submitted by Yelm Community Schools
The winners of the 2023 Fall Qualifier Microsoft Office Specialist Washington State Championship have been announced by Certiport, the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate academic and career opportunities for learners.
Winning 2nd in the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps) category is John Leland from Yelm High School in Yelm, Washington. John Leland competed against students from across Washington to earn this coveted placement.
“When you told us that someone won, I wondered who, because I didn’t think it was me. When you said my name, I was excited because I’ve never received a state award before,” said John.
Students aged 13 to 22 were eligible to participate in one of six competition tracks by submitting a qualified, passing score on the Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel®, or PowerPoint® certification exams by December 15, 2023.
“We have seen amazing results from the Microsoft Office Specialist program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills,” said Karla Blowers, Business Teacher. “The Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship further motivates them to earn certification, and we are proud of these students who have proven to be the best in our state.”
Only the first-place students from each state are invited to attend the upcoming 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Orlando, Florida. During this event, they will compete in their exam track, network with other top students from around the United States and be celebrated. One winner per track will be named the U.S. National Champion and earn a trip to represent the United States and compete in the 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Anaheim, California.
“We’re impressed by these students – not only have they proven they are the best in their state at using Microsoft Office products effectively. They now have an important distinction to place on their resume that shows a desire to learn and validate in-demand skills,” said Craig Bushman, General Manager, Certiport. “The title ‘Microsoft Office Specialist Champion’ will serve them well in their academic and career pursuits.”
Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for Microsoft Office globally and serves as a powerful instrument for assessing students’ skills and preparing them for real-world application of their knowledge.
For more information about the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship visit their website.
