Leading the way was Vantage senior Silas Foltz of Paulding, who earned first place in the nation in Server Administration, capturing a national championship in one of BPA’s most challenging technology events.

“When I got called to the stage for first place, I was very surprised,” said Foltz. “It was an exciting moment and definitely made all of the learning this year feel worth it.”

Foltz said experiences throughout the year at Vantage, including completing CompTIA’s Client Pro course and earning multiple certifications and assessments, helped prepare him for nationals and build his confidence heading into competition. In addition to his national championship title, Foltz earned industry-recognized certifications in Digital Literacy, Professional Communication, CyberSecurity, Windows 10 and 11 Device Configuration and Management, and Cisco Networking.

Vantage senior Nick Bush of Delphos Jefferson also earned national recognition, placing seventh in the nation in Fundamentals of Desktop Publishing while earning eight industry-recognized certifications.

“Being a Top 10 finalist feels like I accomplished exactly what I wanted to do,” said Bush. “It feels like validation that I’m good at what I do and a good sign for my future.”

Bush credited Mrs. Miriam Owens, Vantage’s Marketing and Design instructor, for helping him develop the technical design skills needed to compete at the national level. Owens said what sets this group apart is their ability to transition from “learners” to “professionals,” bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world industry execution.

“This all proves that CTE is one of the premier pathways for modern success,” Owens said. “By graduating with a portfolio of industry-recognized certifications, our students aren’t just earning a diploma; they are earning a competitive advantage.”

In Computer Security, Xander Bartley of Paulding earned a Top 10 National Finalist finish, placing 10th in the nation against some of the country’s top cybersecurity students.

“For me, the awards ceremony was the moment that stood out the most,” Bartley said. “It was exciting and intense for our entire group. Waiting to hear names called, hoping to walk onto that stage, and cheering each other on made it an incredible experience.”

Bartley, who earned eight industry-recognized certifications, said BPA and certification opportunities helped prepare him for a future career in technology by strengthening both his technical knowledge and professional skills.

Competing alongside Bartley in Computer Security was Hank Walpole of Delphos St. John’s, who placed 23rd in the nation while also earning the highest number of certifications out of all Vantage students competing at nationals, with nine industry-recognized credentials.

Walpole said earning certifications became less about competition and more about challenging himself to grow his technical skills and prepare for a future career in technology. He said he is especially proud of earning his Cisco Certified Support Technician Cybersecurity certification because it provides a strong foundation for entering the cybersecurity field.

Foltz, Walpole, and Bartley were coached by Vantage Network Systems Instructor Mr. Austin Meyer. Meyer described the students as hardworking and passionate individuals who continuously pushed themselves throughout the year while supporting one another along the way.

“These students came in with a willingness to learn and worked extremely hard all year long,” Meyer said. “Seeing them recognized on the national stage made all of the hard work worth it.”

Vantage Career Center Superintendent Rick Turner praised the students, instructors, and staff for their accomplishments and the way they represented the school on the national stage.

“These students competed against some of the best career technical education students in the nation, and their accomplishments reflect the incredible amount of dedication, preparation, and technical skill they possess,” said Turner. “To see Vantage students earning national recognition at this level is truly special. Their success highlights not only their hard work, but also the commitment of Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Owens, and the entire Vantage team to prepare students for successful futures.”