On October 10th, St. Vrain Valley Schools students and educators had the honor of participating in the Quad Partners Cyber Challenge at the White House. This international event, focused on K-12 cybersecurity education, brought together representatives from the United States, India, Japan, and Australia to advance awareness and engagement in cybersecurity among young students. Students joined the Innovation Center’s own National Cybersecurity Teacher of the Year, Ms. Beth Cerrone. The event underscored the need to create educational pathways that prepare students for the growing demands of the cybersecurity workforce.
Ms. Cerrone has been a driving force behind SVVSD’s thriving cybersecurity program at the Innovation Center. Her leadership and dedication have provided students with invaluable real-world cybersecurity experiences, enabling them to gain skills essential for their futures in a high-demand industry. Representing SVVSD alongside Ms. Cerrone were Silver Creek High School senior Kaylee Crouthamel and Niwot High 2024 graduate and current Colorado State University student, Sienna Arellano.
Reflecting on her experience, Sienna Arellano said, “This entire experience was inspiring and eye-opening for what I want to do in the future and who I want to become within the field of cybersecurity.” Having started her cybersecurity journey in middle school with CyberPatriot, Sienna has since flourished in the field, thanks to the guidance and mentorship of Ms. Cerrone and the resources available through SVVSD’s Innovation Center.
During the White House event, Sienna and Kaylee had the chance to share their journey into cybersecurity, as well as discuss their most impactful project—working with over 150 local senior citizens to improve their cybersecurity awareness and help protect them from online dangers. “Knowing the work I was doing was helping save vulnerable people from online dangers was incredibly rewarding,” Sienna shared. This experience highlighted not only the importance of cybersecurity skills but also their potential to make a real difference in communities.
While sharing her story and engaging with her peers was fulfilling, Sienna described her interactions with cybersecurity professionals at the White House as a true highlight. “Meeting incredible cybersecurity experts like Cyber and AI strategist Dr. Safi Mojidi and Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity Michael Klein opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities in the field,” she said. “Listening to their stories and hearing about their day-to-day lives in cybersecurity furthered my excitement to launch down this path.”
As cybersecurity grows in importance, both nationally and globally, students like Sienna and Kaylee, supported by teachers in St. Vrain, exemplifies how dedicated educators and hands-on learning environments prepare students to meet the challenges of a digital world.
Through its commitment to empowering students with future-ready skills, SVVSD is helping cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, equipped to make a difference at home and abroad.