competition

Cyber Cup Challenger Awards

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February 3, 2025

Local High School Teams Shine at AFA Palm Springs Cyber Cup Awards

Palm Springs, CA – Excitement filled the air at La Quinta High School on January 29th as students, educators, and community leaders gathered for the first-ever CV Cyber Cup Awards! Hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) of Palm Springs, this thrilling event showcased the talents of five teams from across the Coachella Valley, representing all three school districts, as they competed for top honors in cybersecurity.

With cash prizes, certificates, the prestigious Cyber Cup Trophy, and a chance to qualify for the AFA National CyberPatriot competition national finals in Washington, D.C., the competition was fierce. After months of rigorous cybersecurity challenges, the top teams emerged victorious:

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Second Runner-Up: Cyber Mafia from La Quinta High School, led by coach Frank Ceja.

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First Runner-Up: Cisco Detective from Coachella Valley High School, coached by Dana Sanchez.

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Cyber Cup Champions: AFJROTC Blackhawk-1, coached by MSgt Dean Temple, proudly took home the one-of-a-kind customized CV Cyber Cup Trophy!

Adding to the prestige of the event, representatives from Congressmen Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz’s and CA Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez’s offices presented official congressional certificates to all participants, recognizing their dedication and achievements in cybersecurity.

Looking ahead, CV Cyber Cup 2025 promises to be even more dynamic! Plans are already underway to expand the competition, introduce specialized training sessions, organize field trips, and launch an exclusive Summer Cyber Camp for participating teams.

The Air & Space Forces Association of Palm Springs is committed to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, equipping students with essential skills for the future.

Media Contact:
James McFarlin
Email: Mcfarlin.jim@gmail.com Phone: 760-851-5411

For further details, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved in CV Cyber Cup 2025, please contact James McFarlin at the information above.

AFA Crowns CyberPatriot XVI Champions

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Team W.A.T.T. from Troy High School Navy JROTC (Fullerton, Calif.) won in the All Service Division of CyberPatriot XVI. March 17, 2024. Photo by Mike Tsukamoto, Air & Space Forces Association

ROCKVILLE, Md.—CyberPatriot’s 16th season came to an exciting end on March 18, with the announcement of the winners of the Air & Space Forces Association’s (AFA) annual National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. The competition field started with 5,183 teams and just 28 qualified for the National Finals. March 22 2024 Read the full story here or click on the photograph.