On March 1, 2024, Cyber Florida proudly hosted the inaugural CyberLaunch Competition in Orlando, Florida. The event marked a resounding success, with over 900 students from 97 Florida counties and 44 school districts uniting to test their cybersecurity skills, overcome new challenges, and network with potential employers in the cyber industry!
As Florida’s first statewide high school cybersecurity competition, CyberLaunch aimed to introduce high school students to the universe of cybersecurity careers through the fun of a statewide competition. The event provided a safe, cost-effective, and low-pressure environment for students to showcase their abilities, collaborate as teams, and gain valuable experience in the thrilling world of cybersecurity competitions.
CyberLaunch featured two competition tracks to cater to diverse skill levels, and both competitions were created with the help of EC-Council. The Guided competition was designed for competition beginners, and the Advanced Capture-The-Flag (CTF) was tailored for those with previous experience in CTF competitions.
Here are the notable winning teams from each category:
Guided Winning Teams –
1st place | NeoCity Academy (Osceola County) Teacher: Juan Tovar
2nd place | – Bayshore High School (Manatee County) Teacher: Chuck Routhier
3rd place | Doral Academy (Miami-Dade) Teacher: Jose Luis Del Valle/ Luis Santa Cruz
4th place | NeoCity Academy (Osceola County) Teacher: Juan Tovar
Advanced CTF Winning Teams:
1st place | John A. Ferguson Senior High School (Miami-Dade)Teacher: Maria Hernandez
2nd place | Crooms Academy of Information Technology (Seminole County) Teacher: Halima Fisher
3rd place | Hernando High School (Hernando County) Teacher: Mason Lewis
Beyond the competition, CyberLaunch featured an exhibit hall featuring more than 50 companies and organizations. Students had the chance to network with industry professionals, explore potential career paths, and gain insights into the diverse opportunities available in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
This event not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of Florida’s high school students but also highlighted the crucial role educators play in nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The Cyber Florida team is committed to continuing this journey of empowerment, fostering a future where students and teachers alike thrive in the vast and exciting landscape of cybersecurity possibilities.
Stay tuned for more details regarding the 2025 CyberLaunch Competition!