Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College students excel in Microsoft Office Specialist certification

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College has announced the achievements of its students and educators in the Microsoft Office Specialist certification program.

During the Fall Qualifier of the 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship, SKYCTC students demonstrated their exceptional proficiency, securing top placements in Kentucky. Notably, Paris Carlson and Brooke Stinson earned first place in their respective competition events.

Paris Carlson of Bowling Green secured first place in Kentucky for PowerPoint 365. Paris is currently pursuing a Computer and Information Technologies degree with a focus on security.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Paris shared, “High school was a challenging and stressful time for me, and I never felt recognized for any achievements. However, my experience at SKYCTC has completely transformed my perspective. The supportive professors and engaging courses have helped me build confidence and achieve success.”

Paris also highlighted the value of her coursework, particularly Computer Information Technology 130. “This class is beneficial for students in any degree program or career path. The skills learned provide valuable preparation for professional and personal tasks. The in-depth exploration of Microsoft applications equips students with essential tools for business, technology, and everyday life.”

Brooke Stinson of Scottsville secured first place in Kentucky for Word 365. She is currently pursuing a degree in Medical Information Technology.

SKYCTC students placing in the top 10 in Kentucky during the Fall Qualifier of the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship:

• Abigail Nuetzman – 8th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• Ashton Slaughter – 8th Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Office 2019)*
• Derek Fortune – 3rd Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• Karlee Harper – 6th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• Brooke Stinson – 1st Place, Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps), 8th Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps), 9th Place,
• Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• Nolan Hughson – 3rd Place, Microsoft Excel (Office 2019)*, 7th Place, Microsoft Word (Office 2019)*
• Paris Carlson – 1st Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps), 3rd Place, Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365 Apps), 5th Place,
• Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)
• Santiago Villarreal Olmos – 6th Place, Microsoft Word (Office 2019)*
• Kristopher Evanoff, 4th Place, Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps)**
• Brikei Blankenship, 5th Place, Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps)**
  (*CIT 105 dual credit student at Greenwood High School)
  (**CIT 105 dual credit student at Franklin-Simpson High School)

First-place winners will represent Kentucky at the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Dallas, Texas, where they will compete in their respective exam tracks and network with other top students nationwide

. Champions in each track will then advance to the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Orlando, Florida.