An elective at Utica High School can turn into something that is not only useful for the future, but something that can get you a job from just completing the class. The elective “CTE Microsoft Office” introduces students to the applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to students to pretty much master all of them in terms of skill. Students use a website called Cengage to do homework and exams to master each application. With each application comes different modules with about four assignments and an exam to test how much you learned from the assignments. Each application has about 12 modules, with seven being a certification if you complete all of the assignments and pass the certification test. If the modules 7-12 completed, you are eligible to test for an expert certification. You are able to get a job right out of school with just that expert certification.

The expert certification goes up to 1000 points and students need a 700 to pass the cert. Some students went above and beyond and reached 900 and over on the regular certification. Those students include seniors Natalie Garwood with 975, Bradley Beauvais with 962, Leonardo Paulus with 906, Dominic Jarbou with 900, and Melenie Williams with 900. Students will finish up the quarter aiming to take the expert certification.

Students Natalie Garwood, Blake Jahn, and Zoe Zeiser received state championship fall qualifier awards for Microsoft word.

“I finished fifth in the state for my time and score which was very cool,” senior Natalie Garwood said. “I kind of just took the class because I wanted to learn about it, and I didn’t expect to get that high of a score. So, the score itself is something I’m really proud of, and the in the state is really cool as well.”

“I did all the assignments to the best of my ability, the SAM training which is like a study guide, and a practice test for the actual certification,” Natalie said. “My advice for anyone who aspires to get high scores is to keep doing the assignments, and if you don’t start well, re do them. Even if you got 100%, keep on re doing them to make sure you understand the content. Also take the practice certification test as much as you can because it’s the best tool to prepare you for the exam.”

Excel is the most important application in the class. Almost every business uses excel weather its keeping track of expenses, stock, and etcetera. “Students will be encouraged to take the Excel expert certification exam as it is the most valuable thing to take out of this class,” teacher Mr. Pelteir said.

These applications can be used for absolutely anyone in any profession. “I use Microsoft applications all the time,” principal Mr. Youngblood said. “I think it’s important for every student to learn how to use the Microsoft applications. Whether you’re in school or work conditions its very good that you have a good understanding of them.”

For anyone looking to expand their knowledge on the Microsoft applications is encouraged to take the course “CTE Microsoft Office”.