Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in digital literacy, with several students achieving top placements at the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship. This prestigious competition, held from June 16 to 18 in Dallas, Texas, brought together the nation's most proficient users of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Outstanding Achievements by SKYCTC Students
Among the standout performers from SKYCTC were:
- Aliza Wilson of Russellville: Secured 8th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Kristopher Evanoff of Franklin: Achieved 8th place in Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Paris Carlson of Bowling Green: Earned 6th place in Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps).
Path to the National Stage
The journey to the national championship was marked by rigorous preparation and success in state-level qualifiers. In the Fall 2024 Kentucky Qualifier, SKYCTC students showcased their prowess:
- Abigail Nuetzman: 8th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Ashton Slaughter: 8th place in Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019).
- Derek Fortune: 3rd place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Karlee Harper: 6th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Madison Stinson: 1st place in Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps); 8th place in Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps); 9th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Nolan Hughson: 3rd place in Microsoft Excel (Office 2019); 7th place in Microsoft Word (Office 2019).
- Paris Carlson: 1st place in Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps); 3rd place in Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps); 5th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Santiago Villarreal Olmos: 6th place in Microsoft Word (Office 2019).
- Aliza Wilson: 1st place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Austin Miller: 2nd place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Brikei Blankenship: 4th place in Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Lexi Gray: 5th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Chandler Hudgins: 8th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Amina Karamova: 9th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Jaxson Shrull: 10th place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Kristopher Evanoff: 1st place in Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps).
Significance of MOS Certification
The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is more than a credential; it validates comprehensive, hands-on knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Proficiency in these tools is crucial across various professional fields, as they are integral to tasks ranging from data analysis to effective communication.
Research indicates that MOS certification correlates with improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and increased post-secondary enrollment. Employers highly value these certifications, often considering them a benchmark for essential digital skills.
Institutional Support and Student Success
SKYCTC's commitment to fostering digital literacy is evident in its support for students pursuing MOS certification. The college offers hands-on, project-based instruction that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. This approach ensures that students are well-prepared for certification exams and equipped with skills applicable in real-world scenarios.
Professor Carmen Gaskins, Computer & Information Technologies Program Coordinator at SKYCTC, emphasized the program's impact:
Looking Ahead"We have seen amazing results from the Microsoft Office Specialist program at our school as students learn and validate key workforce skills... We know they will go on to make us proud at the competition in June."
The achievements of SKYCTC students at the 2025 MOS U.S. National Championship underscore the importance of digital proficiency in today's workforce. As technology continues to evolve, institutions like SKYCTC play a pivotal role in preparing students to meet these challenges head-on.
For students and professionals alike, pursuing MOS certification offers a pathway to enhanced career opportunities and demonstrates a commitment to mastering essential digital tools.
As the digital landscape advances, the dedication of SKYCTC and its students serves as a model for integrating technical education with real-world application, ensuring that graduates are not only proficient but also competitive in the global job market.
Source: Franklin Favorite SKYCTC Students Excel at the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championships