Excel is a sophisticated information software that’s integral to office success and is a little on the tricky side. If you need any help with Excel, you might be advised to speak to Sebastian Ray. On Jan. 8, the North Atlanta sophomore placed first in statewide competition assessing prowess in the sophisticated program.
Ray, a student in a Business and Technology class with instructor Loraine Bowen, competed in the statewide competition on Dec. 15. Students competing in the technology competition do assessments at their respective schools and scores are ranked compared to peers at other high schools. Students aged 13 to 22, entered into one of six competition tracks. They were able to get into these tracks by submitting a qualified, passing score on the Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel, or PowerPoint certification exams. Excel has long been considered one of the most challenging programs to master, and Ray is proving to be a legitimate whiz in the format. “A lot of people have issues with Excel but I tend to think in a logical manner so it’s always kind of been easy for me,” Ray said.
All North Atlanta students who compete in these technology competitions do so through Certiport, a leading provider of Microsoft certification exams. Lorraine Bowen, Business and Technology teacher here at NAHS, said that the school is becoming increasingly strong in terms of those who qualify for state competitions. Other Warrior winners in the competition were Isabel Carneiro-Acosta, who got third place; Charly Coleman, fifth place; August Laing, sixth place; Ethan Dang, seventh place; Chloe Beasley, ninth place; and Emily Shull, tenth place.
North Atlanta is impressed by these students who proved they are the best in their state at using Microsoft Office products effectively. “I went into this program to get certifications in Microsoft applications, I did not expect to win a state competition, though I guess that shows the program works,” said Ray. All who have participated have an important distinction to place on their resume that shows a desire to learn and validate in-demand skills. Naming themselves with their new title ‘Microsoft Office Specialist Champion’ will serve them well in their academic and career pursuits.
Bowen, who has been administering North Atlanta-based Certiport exams, emphasizes the program’s integral part in accelerating academic and career opportunities for learners, “We have seen amazing results from the Microsoft Office Specialist program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills,” said Bowen.
As the first-place winner, Ray will represent Georgia at the upcoming 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Orlando, Florida. During this event, participants will compete in their exam track, network with other top students from around the United States and be celebrated.
Ray aims to 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, Calif. So, need help with Excel – ask Sebastian Ray. Or, at the very least, compliment him for his impressive feat.
