SV students excel at National Youth Cyber Defense Competition

Two Seneca Valley Cyber Patriot teams showcased exceptional talent in the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, a prestigious nationwide cybersecurity challenge that featured 4,023 teams. Demonstrating outstanding teamwork, critical thinking and technical expertise, both teams delivered remarkable performances.

The all-male team advanced through the first two rounds, earning placement in the Gold Division, while the all-female team achieved an impressive second place finish in the state within the All-Service Division’s Silver bracket. Their strong performance propelled them to the National Semi-Finals, where they secured eighth place nationally and earned awards for both achievements.

CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to the nation’s future.

“We were so excited to finally tally a score high enough for the Gold Division considering all the hours the team put in over the last several months,” said sophomore Albert Pimenov. “The Summer AFA Cyber Patriot camp at the University of Pittsburgh was the main reason why our team performed so well and helped our team to be prepared for this competition. We also are always looking for more people to join the team.”

The competition took place online and students worked together as a team during each round. As part of the competition, students were challenged to find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities in virtual operating systems.

“CyberPatriot has been an incredible source in learning about technology and leadership,” said senior Heather Schwartz. “Last year, I was brand new to the program and was taught by seniors who had a passion for cybersecurity, and its uses in the world. Isabella and I followed in their footsteps and dedicated this year to teaching others while learning from them. Everyone on the team has different strengths and weaknesses, and I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on my skills learned last year to underclassmen while learning new skills, especially in the Boeing Challenge!”

The CyberPatriot teams are led by Ms. Diane Koegler, computer programming and mathematics teacher at Seneca Valley Senior High School. The SV all-male team includes senior Peter McHenry, juniors Aravinth Prabhahar, Mariappan Ramanujam and Wilson Li and sophomore Albert Pimenov. The SV all-female team includes seniors Isabella Muthler and Heather Schwartz, and juniors Roshini Umesh and Leah Martino.