Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Students Excel in Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
SKYCTC CIT student Paris Carlson (above) secured 1st place for PowerPoint at the Fall Qualifier competition and will be advancing to the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Dallas, Texas this summer.
Bowling Green, KY – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) proudly announces the outstanding achievements of its students and educators in the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification program.
During the Fall Qualifier of the 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship, SKYCTC students demonstrated their exceptional proficiency, securing top placements in Kentucky. Notably, Paris Carlson and Brooke Stinson earned first place in their respective competition events.
Paris Carlson of Bowling Green, KY, secured 1st place in Kentucky for PowerPoint 365. Paris is currently pursuing a Computer & Information Technologies degree with a focus on security. Reflecting on her academic journey, Paris shared, “High school was a challenging and stressful time for me, and I never felt recognized for any achievements. However, my experience at SKYCTC has completely transformed my perspective. The supportive professors and engaging courses have helped me build confidence and achieve success.”
Paris also highlighted the value of her coursework, particularly Computer Information Technology 130. “This class is beneficial for students in any degree program or career path. The skills learned provide valuable preparation for professional and personal tasks. The in-depth exploration of Microsoft applications equips students with essential tools for business, technology, and everyday life.”
Brooke Stinson of Scottsville, KY, secured 1st place in Kentucky for Word 365. She is currently pursuing a degree in Medical Information Technology.
SKYCTC students placing in the top 10 in Kentucky during the Fall Qualifier of the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship:
Abigail Nuetzman – 8th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Ashton Slaughter – 8th Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)*
Derek Fortune – 3rd Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Karlee Harper – 6th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Madison Stinson – 1st Place, Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Madison Stinson – 8th Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Madison Stinson – 9th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Nolan Hughson – 3rd Place, Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)*
Nolan Hughson – 7th Place, Microsoft Word (Office 2019)*
Paris Carlson – 1st Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Paris Carlson – 3rd Place, Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Paris Carlson – 5th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Santiago Villarreal Olmos – 6th Place, Microsoft Word (Office 2019)*
Kristopher Evanoff, 4th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)**
Brikei Blankenship, 5th Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)**
(*CIT 105 dual credit student at Greenwood High School)
(**CIT 105 dual credit student at Franklin-Simpson High School)
Business and Technology Professor Carmen Gaskins commented on the students’ success: “We have seen amazing results from the Microsoft Office Specialist program at SKYCTC. The Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship encourages students to achieve certification, and we are proud of those who have proven to be the best in the state. We know they will represent us well at the U.S. National Championship in June.”
First-place winners will represent Kentucky at the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Dallas, Texas, where they will compete in their respective exam tracks and network with other top students nationwide. Champions in each track will then advance to the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Gary Gates, Managing Director at Pearson VUE, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment: “The title of ‘Microsoft Office Specialist Champion’ provides students with a valuable distinction for both academic and career pursuits. It demonstrates their proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and showcases their commitment to learning and mastering essential digital skills.”
Studies indicate that MOS certification correlates with improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and increased post-secondary enrollment. Industry research also suggests that digital media certifications like MOS are highly regarded by employers, giving candidates a competitive edge in their careers.
SKYCTC remains dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s digital world. The achievements of our students and educators in the MOS certification program exemplify our commitment to fostering excellence and preparing individuals for professional growth.
For more information about SKYCTC’s computer courses or programs, contact sky-cit@kctcs.edu.
