A team from the National Guard spoke at West Hartford’s Hall High School on Tuesday, highlighting state-wide resources.

Submitted by Jackie Corricelli, West Hartford Public Schools District Computer Science Curriculum Specialist

A group of Hall High School students gained valuable cybersecurity knowledge on Tuesday, March 18, thanks to a presentation by Captain Joel Fulsang and his Connecticut Army National Guard team. Approximately 10 students attended the session, focusing on online safety and career opportunities.

The National Guard team covered critical topics, including the necessity of strong, unique passwords and the added security of multifactor authentication. They also highlighted the growing field of cybersecurity within the National Guard, showcasing potential career paths.

“We’re thrilled to have shared our knowledge and hopefully inspired some students to pursue careers in this critical field,” a National Guard representative stated.

The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and deepen their understanding of cybersecurity. This presentation was hosted by AP Cyber Teacher Mike Wilkosz, celebrating Hall High School’s upcoming introduction of AP Cybersecurity I in the 2025-2026 school year. Hall High School will be among the first schools in the country to offer this course to students. Conard High School will offer the same course the following year.

The National Guard spoke to Hall High School students about cybersecurity on March 18. Photo courtesy of Damien Vega of the CT Joint Cyber Team

The National Guard’s engagement with local schools underscores the rising importance of cybersecurity education. To further support schools in this crucial area, the Connecticut National Guard’s Cyber Team is offering free cybersecurity assessments to any school district in Connecticut. Interested districts can find more information and request an assessment by visiting this website. This initiative aims to bolster the digital defenses of educational institutions across the state.

For high school students in West Hartford looking to delve deeper into the world of computer science, West Hartford Public Schools offers a variety of courses. Students interested in learning more about these offerings can visit: https://sites.google.com/whps.org/csdm or contact Jackie Corricelli at jackie_[email protected]. These resources provide valuable pathways for students to explore and develop their skills.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.