Lakewood Sophomore is State Runner-Up in 'Cyber Challenge'

It takes someone who knows how to hack into a computer to catch someone hacking into a computer.

That’s the case with Matt Kerrigan.

The sophomore admitted he’s gotten himself into “some trouble” with his knowledge of the inner-workings of computer security.

But that’s all behind him now.

Kerrigan is putting his talents to good use — and getting some recognition along the way.

He recently took second place in the state and 18^th place in the nation in the Cyber Foundations competition — sponsored by US Cyber Challenge — an online event aimed at getting high school students interested in a future with computer systems security. 

More than 2,000 high school students competed nationwide.

“I wasn’t expecting to get that far with it,” he said. “I study everyday, about an hour each day.”

Kerrigan said he’s already interested in pursuing a future in the industry.

“I intend to be involved in a career in computers,” he said. “I do have an interest in computer security.”

The contest included 2,034 students from 169 schools, 32 states and three U.S. territories, according to a press release. The online competition featured a series of quizzes in the most important foundational fields of cyber security: networking, operating systems and system administration.

Seven other LHS students received honorable mention in the contest for placing in the top 500 nationally: Ian Malin (83rd), Kenneth Grubaugh (113th), Christian Ulsenheimer-Welki  (218th), Nabih Metri (269th), Albi Mema (303rd), Zach Gilchrist (313th) and Irfan Khan (430th). 

This was the first time that Lakewood High School participated in the event.

Terese Chevalier, who teaches the Networking/Cisco program in the , coached the Lakewood students. 

She said in a press release that she would participate in next year’s event.

“It was a great learning experience and gave our students a chance to compete nationally,” she said.

Asked if he plans to attend the national competition in the spring, Kerrigan said simply “Oh yeah. Absolutely.”