Operation K12

Teacher Spotlight: Tammy Sudigala

Tammy Sudigala

Teacher: Tammy Sudigala

District: Gilchrist County

Meet Tammy Sudigala! With more than a decade of dynamic classroom leadership, Tammy steps into her new role as Trenton High School’s cybersecurity educator, championing the district’s first-ever cybersecurity program. For the past 10 years, Tammy has empowered students in 8th and 10th grade reading/English and guided aspiring technologists through an 8th grade coding elective. This year, she will launch two digital information technology (DIT) sections alongside the pioneering cybersecurity course, expanding vital digital skills in this rural community.

A retired U.S. Air Force Major, Tammy brings 22 years of distinguished service—combining hands-on operational expertise, steadfast discipline, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration. Her commitment to preparing students for future-ready careers in technology and cybersecurity reflects her passion for advancing cyber literacy across Florida.

We celebrate Tammy’s dedication to advancing cybersecurity education and inspiring the next generation of K12 learners across Florida.

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Tammy Sudigala2025-08-18T09:02:13-04:00

Student Spotlight: Louis Noble

Louis Noble

Student: Louis Noble

School: Seminole Ridge Community High School

District: Palm Beach County

Meet Louis Noble! Louis is an outstanding cybersecurity student at Seminole Ridge Community High School in Palm Beach County. He consistently approaches every challenge with a commitment to excellence.

Starting as a self-taught programmer and cybersecurity enthusiast, Louis went on to complete AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, while actively participating in the school’s IT program and standout cybersecurity class.

His interest in cybersecurity was first sparked through hands-on experience with a family mentor, whose encouragement inspired a lasting fascination with solving real-world cyber threats.

Today, Louis stands out as a dedicated learner—transforming curiosity into expertise and embracing every opportunity to drive innovation in the cybersecurity landscape. Cyber Florida is proud to recognize Louis’ inspiring journey in this vital field.

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Student Spotlight: Louis Noble2025-07-11T08:58:05-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Valerie Mays

Teacher Valerie Mays

Teacher: Valerie Mays

District: Palm Beach

Meet Valerie Mays, an awesome teacher at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in Palm Beach County. With over 22 years of experience in education, she understands the growing importance of cybersecurity as technology evolves and threats become more complex.

Valerie’s approach focuses on preparing students to thrive in this dynamic landscape by equipping them with the skills and certifications needed to step confidently into emerging cyber roles, many of which are just being defined. She values the opportunity to connect learners with industry-relevant knowledge while nurturing their passion and potential.

Through her guidance, students are empowered to design innovative solutions, launch new initiatives, pursue meaningful careers in government or the private sector, and become transformative leaders in the ever-changing digital world.

Cyber Florida is proud to celebrate Valerie’s outstanding contributions to cybersecurity education.

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Valerie Mays2025-07-10T13:13:29-04:00

Student Spotlight: Kailyn Roach

Kailyn Roach

Student: Kailyn Roach

School: Jupiter High School

District: Palm Beach County

Meet Kailyn Roach, a standout cybersecurity student at Jupiter High School in Palm Beach County, Florida. Kailyn has recently accepted a position as a programming intern with Neuro Building Systems.

Over the past three years, she has actively participated in the CSHS cybersecurity program and consistently competed in academic competitions, excelling in science and technology courses. With an impressive 4.96 GPA, Kailyn also shines outside the classroom as a competitive soccer player—earning the President’s Cup three years in a row—and holds multiple certifications in Java, JavaScript, and various engineering disciplines.

Beyond academics and athletics, Kailyn enjoys surfing, skiing, and practicing martial arts. Passionate about entering the field of cybersecurity, she hopes to contribute to advancements in ophthalmology by bridging the gap between medical professionals and the technology that supports them.

Do you teach a great student who should be featured in our Student Spotlight?
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Student Spotlight: Kailyn Roach2025-06-17T15:54:41-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Christopher Aaron

Christopher Aaron

Teacher: Christopher Aaron

County: Nassau

Chris Aaron is a standout teacher in Nassau County. This year marks a double milestone: it’s Chris’s first year as an educator and the district’s inaugural year offering cybersecurity and network security courses. He holds a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity management and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field.

Chris says, “Cyber education plays a vital role in equipping individuals to navigate the digital landscape securely and responsibly, empowering them to protect themselves and their data from evolving threats.”

Chris shares that one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching cybersecurity is seeing students grow in their confidence in staying safe online. Supporting this development is especially fulfilling in a constantly evolving field and full of opportunities for continued learning and advancement.

We are so grateful for Chris’s dedication to cybersecurity education and his commitment to students across Florida.

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Christopher Aaron2025-06-12T09:04:59-04:00

Student Spotlight: Lucien Civil

Student: Lucien Civil

School: Barbara Goleman Senior High School

District: Miami-Dade

Since joining Barbara Goleman Senior High School, Lucien has become a cornerstone of the cybersecurity magnet program. His dedication to mastering cyber skills is unparalleled. He consistently takes the initiative to explore networking and hacking projects at home and shares his progress enthusiastically.

Beyond his technical pursuits, Lucien shines as a senior member of the Barbara Goleman Band, inspiring younger musicians with his leadership. His dual passion for music and cybersecurity fuels his innovative approach to problem-solving.

According to Lucien, he wants to go into cybersecurity to “utilize his problem-solving skills to solve complex security issues.” Lucien plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at FAMU after graduation.

Do you teach a great student who should be featured in our Student Spotlight?
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Student Spotlight: Lucien Civil2025-05-28T09:40:16-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Tim McAllister

Teacher: Tim McAllister

County: Clay

Meet Tim McAllister! Tim is a top cybersecurity teacher in Clay County, Florida. Now entering his third year of teaching, Tim’s journey began at SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, NY, where he honed his skills aboard various vessels, including tugboats, oil tankers, and dredges. Early on, he recognized how technology and the internet transformed navigation, administration, and record-keeping.

During his deployments around the world with the U.S. Navy, cybersecurity emerged as a mission-critical priority. This knowledge inspired him to establish a cyber team within his Navy JROTC unit at the school where he now teaches, leading them to compete in CyberPatriot for the first time this year.

Tim is excited to integrate Cyber Florida’s offerings into his classroom, helping students explore the vast capabilities, advantages, and vulnerabilities of cyberspace—and sparking their interest in pursuing dynamic careers in the cyber field.

Thanks for all you do, Tim!

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Tim McAllister2025-05-21T15:50:06-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Dan Trembley

Teacher: Dan Trembley

School: Dunbar High School

County: Lee

Introducing Dan Trembley, a true educational trailblazer in Lee County! Since 2005, Dan has been a founding force behind the Academy for Technology Excellence at Dunbar High School, instrumental in shaping the future of information and cybersecurity professionals. His visionary approach empowers students to earn prestigious professional credentials before graduating high school. Beyond the standard Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite certifications, Dan’s protégés have achieved impressive credentials from top industry leaders such as Certiport, Cisco, CompTIA, IBM, and Microsoft.

As a distinguished National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy graduate, Dan holds a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from the esteemed JB Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. His expertise and dedication have earned h   im accolades from renowned organizations like the Texas Computer Educators Association, Microsoft EduCon, and the International Society for Technology in Education. Dan’s commitment to excellence has also made him a 2025 Cyber.org Educator of the Year finalist. We are immensely proud of Dan’s invaluable contributions to cybersecurity education and his profound impact on students across Florida!

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Dan Trembley2025-04-15T10:19:50-04:00

Teacher Spotlight: Jim Brockman

Jim Brockman

Teacher: Jim Brockman

School: Plant High School

County: Hillsborough

Meet Jim Brockman, a fantastic teacher at Plant High School in Hillsborough County. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Jim has been a passionate educator since the start of his career. After teaching in Ohio and Kentucky, he moved to Tampa, Florida, in 2005 to join Jefferson High School, where his dedication to teaching and student success quickly stood out.

In 2010, he joined Strawberry Crest High School to lead the IB Physics program, playing a key role in shaping the school’s academic environment. Now in his fourth year at Plant High, Jim has expanded his expertise to include computer science and cybersecurity, pioneering the integration of advanced technology into the curriculum.

His contributions to curriculum development in Hillsborough County Public Schools are significant—he has written state course descriptions and exam content. Beyond academics, Jim has coached various extracurricular teams and founded Tampa’s first high school rowing club.

Embracing the opportunity to teach cybersecurity, Jim sees it as a modern solution to the decline of vocational programs, offering students both immediate job prospects and pathways to further education.

Outside the classroom, Jim is also an accomplished musician and a founding member of the band Dads of Lore, showcasing his diverse talents and dedication to enriching lives.

Jim Brockman’s career exemplifies his commitment to education and innovative teaching. He has made a lasting impact on students and the broader educational community.

Would you like to be featured in our Teacher Spotlight? To nominate yourself or another deserving teacher, complete the interest form below!

Teacher Spotlight: Jim Brockman2025-03-25T13:43:13-04:00