PLEASANT GROVE, Utah (May 15, 2001) --TestOut Corporation, a developer of experienced-based training and simulation products, today announced the winners of its inaugural TestOut Challenge Computer Skills Contest, held at Utah Valley State College. The Challenge, which included over 200 student and teacher participants, provided a venue for students and teachers to compete and demonstrate their technology skills, meet with local higher education institutions and attend workshops put on by industry representatives to inform them about the Information Technology (IT) opportunities in Utah as well as the IT industry.
The event hosted by TestOut Corporation was sponsored by local and national education institutions, private companies and training centers including: the Utah State Office of Education, ATC, Utah Valley State College and Advanced Technical Center, Intel, Cisco, Microsoft, Novell, Software House International, CompTIA, University of Utah, Weber State University, Utah State University, College of Eastern Utah, LJ Systems and VUE. Sponsors provided scholarship money to the victors and support for the Challenge. In addition, the inaugural event served as the kick off for similar events that will be held nationwide throughout the year.
"Utah's high school and technical school students are at the front of the curve in both their skill level and at the rate they are pursuing technology careers and industry certifications," stated Noel Vallejo, president of TestOut Corporation. "We are pleased to have been involved in an event that offers students a venue to showcase their skills and earn scholarships to continue their technology pursuits."
"We were so very pleased with the success of the first-ever TestOut Challenge," said Duke Mossman, Education Specialist, Information Technology Utah State Office of Education. "This event created a unique partnership between industry and education helping to assist Governor Leavitt in his plan to double and triple the amount of computer science and engineering graduates in the state though promoting the IT industry. This event also provided a unique venue for Utah high school students to test their knowledge of computer networking and repair, all via simulated computerized exams similar to those they will be taking at the end of the year when they take their industry exams."
Over $75,000 in scholarships, software and hardware were awarded to students competing in the following categories: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network +, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Novell CNA.
Top honors were garnered by the following students: Kenny Long, Mountainlands Advanced Testing Center (ATC)-Overall winner, earning the highest combined score in two events. He was awarded the grand prize, a PIII computer with flat panel monitor from Intel Corporation.
CompTIA A+ (Computer Repair/Upgrade) Collin Perschon, Jordan High School-First Place Stephen Barsh, Mountainlands ATC-Second Place Greg Bray, Jordan High School-Third Place
CompTIA Network+ (General Computer Networking) Kenny Long, Mountainlands ATC-First Place Stephen Barsh, Mountainlands ATC-Second Place Kirk Powelson, Tooele High School-Third Place
Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Robert Raver, Mountainlands ATC-First Place Kenny Long, Mountainlands ATC-Second Place Derek Deviny, Jordan ATC-Third Place
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Aaron Howe, Riverton High School-First Place Erik Allen, Bonneville High School-Second Place Greg Bray, Jordan High School-Third Place
Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) Collin Pershon, Jordan High School-First Place Stephen Barsh, Mountainlands ATC-Second Place Greg Bray, Jordan High School-Third Place
Click here if you would like additional information on the TestOut Challenge or how to become a sponsor.
