Local cybersecurity champions receive Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award

Three pioneering figures in St. Vrain Valley School District's Innovation Center cybersecurity education program have been awarded the prestigious Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award. Beth Cerrone, Kaylee Crouthamel, and Sienna Arellano were recognized for their outstanding contributions to cybersecurity education and community outreach.

The Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the St. Vrain Valley School District.

The recognition comes on the heels of their remarkable participation in the Quad Partners Cyber Challenge at the White House on Oct. 10, where they represented SVVSD in an international gathering of cybersecurity educators and students from the United States, India, Japan, and Australia.

Cerrone, recently named National Cybersecurity Teacher of the Year, has been instrumental in developing SVVSD's robust cybersecurity program at the Innovation Center. Her leadership has created transformative opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in this rapidly growing field. She previously taught math and coached tennis at Niwot High School.

Under Cerrone's guidance, Silver Creek High School senior Kaylee Crouthamel and Niwot High School graduate Sienna Arellano, who is now a freshman at Colorado State University, have emerged as standout examples of the program's success. Their most notable achievement involved leading a community outreach initiative that helped over 150 senior citizens enhance their cybersecurity awareness and protect themselves from online threats.

Arellano found her experience transformative, shaping both her career aspirations and personal growth in cybersecurity. Her path in the field began during her middle school years when she participated in the CyberPatriot program, and the impact has continued to influence her professional direction. During the White House event, Arellano had the opportunity to network with leading industry professionals, including Dr. Safi Mojidi, a Cyber and AI strategist, and Michael Klein, Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity.

The Innovation Center's cybersecurity program exemplifies SVVSD's commitment to prepare students for emerging career opportunities. As cybersecurity continues to grow in importance, the district's forward-thinking approach provides students with vital skills and experiences that position them for success in this critical field.

Arellano reflected that working to protect vulnerable individuals from online threats brought her profound satisfaction and fulfillment, highlighting the real-world impact of the program's community-focused initiatives.

The honor of receiving the Superintendent's Excellence in Education Award by cybersecurity students and teachers affirms the significance of cybersecurity education in preparing students for the challenges of our increasingly digital world.

Through the dedication of educators like Cerrone and the achievements of students like Crouthamel and Arellano, SVVSD continues to lead the way in developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.