The recent Amazon Web Services outage, which caused widespread disruption nationwide, highlighted the importance of virtual security. Skilled managers of computer systems and networks will continue to be in high demand in both the public and private sectors of our economy. Cadets of the Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) are receiving practical experience by participating in the first round of CyberPatriot, the national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) competition. Cadets act as security managers for an organization’s Information System Network, counterattacking a simulated cyber attack.
Major Tom McGrath, the Senior Marine Instructor, noted the assistance provided by the MCHS Technology Department.
“Steve Brenan and Joe Smith, MCHS Technology Specialists, did a great job in providing the needed hardware and establishing it so that we could compete. Due to the nature of the event, the images that cadets have to access to participate in CyberPatriot would surpass the capacity of student Chromebooks.”
“CyberPatriot is a great addition to our other extracurriculars,” said Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak. He noted that team captain, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Payton Downs, is also a member of the Raider and Military Drill Teams.
The Wolves will compete in at least two more rounds in November and December. Those rounds will determine who will proceed to the qualifying rounds for the National Championship in Washington, D.C. in March.
In addition to CyberPatriot, the cadets will host a military drill meet on November 15 and compete in another meet at Portage on December 6. They will participate in numerous ceremonies in conjunction with Veterans Day, including a modified military parade with the MCHS band and choir in the school gym at 1:30 p.m. on November 11. The ceremony is open to the public. The guest speaker is MCHS graduate and Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. Other activities and projects that the cadets are supporting include the Salvation Army Food Drive, the Michigan City Festival of Lights Parade, and the Michigan City Area Schools One City One Sound Christmas Concert.