Weiser High School students build resume as they learn skills

Weiser High School students in business computers have the unique opportunity to bolster their resumes, not just through learning computer skills, but by getting certified in the Microsoft office programs. 

 This year, 36 high school students earned their Microsoft Word certification, and nine students have passed the Powerpoint certification. 

 One student, freshman Alexandra Froshiesar, not only passed but she achieved the third highest score in all of Idaho on the MOS word certification.

 The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is an industry-standard, hands-on exam.  MOS certification exams are rigorous, requiring approximately 23-25 tasks to be accurately completed on the computer in a timed 50-minute period. There are MOS certification exams offered for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  

 The Weiser High School program is taught by Bernie Weldon and is in its third year as an authorized MOS learning center through its business technology classes.  

 Weiser High School is also set up as an authorized MOS testing center, which means students can take the certification exams right at the high school and at no charge (the normal price ranges from $96 - $112 per exam).  

 MOS certifications are recognized around the world and are a great skill to include on job applications and resumes. This semester, the Business Technology students at WHS are studying Excel and preparing to take the MOS Excel certification exam in early May.  

 According to an independent study published on the Microsoft website, the Microsoft certification can mean more money in each of these students future employment. 

 “Holding a MOS certification can earn an entry-level business employee as much as $16,000 more in annual salary than uncertified peers.” 

 The highest scores each semester from every U.S. state for each of these three products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) qualify that student to compete in the annual worldwide competition held in July – this year it will be in Orlando

 The following students completed their Word certification: Abe Konvalin, Alexandra Froshiesar, Alonna Freeland, Ana Ramirez, Ashley Coronado, Benjamin Odoms, Billie Tanner, Britynn Seward, Brooklynn Warner, Brylee Williams, Dioselyn Marquez, Eduardo Juarez Martinez, Elsie King, Emberlee Thomas, Emilee Marvin, Emily Kielhorn, Emma Burns, Gabrielle Fortik, Garrick Carroll, Jade Simonsen, Jaiden Gomez, Kiearra Hoobery, Kylee Young, Logan Wood, Madelyn Erickson, Makaela Sherry, Melany Martinez, Oscar Cruz, Rafael Perez, Renae Reese, Santiago Ixta Acuna, Shae Kunz, Shelby Aldrich, Sienna McClellan, Taryn Hawker, and Zander McElroy.

 Additionally, here are the eight students who passed the MOS certification for PowerPoint this fall: Ana Ramirez, Benjamin Odoms, Emberlee Thomas, Emily Kielhorn, Gabrielle Fortik, Garrick Carroll, Logan Wood, Santiago Ixta Acuna.