SAC Dual Enrollment Student Gerardo Reyes Places 2nd in California Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint 365 Exam
Gerardo Reyes, 15, hoped to do well on his Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) PowerPoint 365 exam, but didn't expect his score to rank second in the entire state of California. His second-place finish qualifies him for the MOS U.S. National Championship, a national competition that tests students' skills on Microsoft Office applications.
Reyes is a Santa Ana native and sophomore at Middle College High School, which is part of Santa Ana College's (SAC) dual enrollment program, where high school students can take high school and college-level courses at the same time.
Middle College High School is highly competitive and enrollment involves a lottery process. For Reyes, what appealed to him the most about the school was that it was on a college campus.
He credits faculty and the campus culture to his development and success so far.
“All the teachers really try to help you," he said. He emphasized how the faculty encourage students to their highest potential, offering resources like tutoring and keeping their classrooms open during mornings and lunch for students. Reyes said he took full advantage of tutoring and a dedicated lounge space where students can work and relax.
“Gerardo is a great student with a keen intellect and a passion for technology," said Adam Morgan, SAC Associate Professor and Co-Department Chair of Business Applications & Technology department and Reyes' Business Applications & Technology (BA) 190 professor. “His genuine interest in the Microsoft Office applications is evident in his proficiency."
BA 190 is a required course that prepares students for MOS certification and testing, and Reyes shared how much he enjoyed learning about how to use PowerPoint with advanced features and shortcuts to increase efficiency.
He received news of his score's state ranking this summer.
“This is the second year in a row we've had a student finish in the top two," Morgan added. “Qualifying for the MOS championship is a testament to his extraordinary abilities and dedication."
Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint 365 certification is a valuable credential for professional development and career advancement and investment in a student's career that can lead to increased opportunities, higher earnings, and improved skills.
“Gerardo is consistently engaged and eager to learn," Morgan said. “Finishing second in the state is a remarkable achievement that sets him apart from his peers."
For now, Reyes is unsure what he'll pursue in the future, but is confident that the certifications and skills he's developing now will help get him there.
