GCPS student recognized at Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship

     A Gwinnett Online Campus (GOC) rising junior earned 3^rd place at the Certiport’s 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship. Allena Nguyen competed against 187 contestants at the competition in Grapevine, Texas, last month and was the only Georgia resident to place. Allena competed in the Microsoft PowerPoint section, which is included in Microsoft 365 Applications, and took home a cash prize of $1,000 for her success.

“I have learned and achieved so much during my time here at the Certiport's 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship,” Allena shares. “I met so many wonderful and inspiring people here. I'm so happy I got to represent Gwinnett County and Georgia at the competition this year!”

Prior to competing nationally, Allena earned perfect scores and the fastest competition times at the Georgia Microsoft Office Specialist Spring Qualifier. The qualifying exam is built with real-life scenario-based questions that test participants on their comprehension, accuracy, and efficiency. At the qualifier level, students ages 13-22 must choose one of six tracks to participate in. The certification exam categories are all based on Microsoft Office products: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel®, and Microsoft PowerPoint®.

The twelve students with the highest exam scores are selected to move forward and invited to participate in the national championship.

"We are incredibly proud of Allena and all that she has accomplished," Gwinnett Online Campus Principal Bo Ford shares. "Her drive, attention to detail, and passion for technology set her apart and will undoubtedly open doors to a bright and successful future. Allena is a shining example of the talent and determination we see in our students every day."

Learn more about Certiport’s Microsoft Office Specialist competition.