ENGLEWOOD — As Lemon Bay High’s cybersecurity teacher, D’uane Howard believes the school’s brand new classroom will get students more fired up about the subject.“Their passion and excitement is really important for us, because they are the future for this,” Howard said Wednesday as the school unveiled its new $130,000 cybersecurity classroom.Howard was smiling from ear to ear as he watched some of his current students’ open-mouthed reactions to the new classroom when they walked in for the first time.Junior Yan Chery, who’s in his second year with the program, was very impressed with the setup.“It looks like an Apple Store,” he said.Chery and his young brother, sophomore Shayne Chery, have both been pursuing certificates in the cybersecurity program at LBHS because of basketball.The Chery brothers play for the Manta Rays basketball team. Howard is the head coach.When they were searching for an elective class with a certification last year — something Charlotte County Public Schools requires students to have before they can graduate — Howard influenced them to give cybersecurity a try.A year later, the pair are hooked. Yan has earned one certificate and will pursue another next year, while Shayne is working through his first one this school year.“It’ll help you in the long run,” said Shayne Chery, who enjoys learning about the parts of a computer.CERTIFICATIONS LEAD TO JOBSAs the world of technology continues to expand, the need for workers in the cybersecurity field has, too.Yet, only around 40% of public high schools in Florida actually offer a foundational computer science course.The program, which was started in 2024 at Lemon Bay, offers up to three certificates that are recognized nationally, including Cisco, CompTIA and Security+ accreditations.Students learn from something as simple as what a computer is, how to connect to one, data protection and mitigating threats.The new classroom project aims to offer the best resources and environment for students pursuing the certifications. It’s been a year in the making, with funds sourced from district capital and other funds, said PIO Claudette Smith.NEW LOOK, PLUSH CHAIRSOver the summer, school staff volunteered their time to help set up and paint the classroom, which was previously an aging computer lab. Traditional bright lights were traded for blue LED strips, carpet was added and about 10 100-inch TVs replaced white boards around the room.Hard chairs got the boot, and plush gamer chairs were ushered in to compliment the quad-style desks lining the walls with two desktops per student station embroidered with the school’s logo.In the middle of the room, high top tables held laptops for other student exercises. In the back, the new “Cyber Rays” logo shined in bright blue.“We wanted this to be their favorite class,” said Brian Granstra, the district’s director of career and technical education who has been heading the project.The new class will offer students a room that is fully equipped to not only mirror what the future field they will work in will look like, but also offer a fun, conducive atmosphere to learn in.‘WHAT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING IN THE WORLD’Howard has taken every certification he teaches before students do. He said he’s fallen in love with the subject just as much as his students.Despite his basic knowledge of information technology, Yan Chery has become interested in pursuing computer engineering because of the course. He credits Howard for getting him there.“He’ll teach you what you need to know,” he said. “He’ll work with everybody and get you to that level of understanding what’s actually happening in the world.”Sophomore Izabelle Jones agrees.Jones, who is working on her second certification this year, fell into the cybersecurity program by second choice. When engineering classes were full, she chose to give it a try.Howard was understanding of her learning curve, and because of it, Jones is also confident enough to pursue a cybersecurity career. She believes the certifications she’ll gain before college will help her secure internships and jobs.“If we get into this now, we’ll get higher positions,” she said.Howard is happy to see so many different students interested in the program.He believes that diversity is especially needed to match the ever-diversifying field of cyber technology.“I think the unknown piece does kind of draw a little bit of everyone in,” Howard said. “But it’s really important to get some exposure to our ladies — and just different demographics overall, just so that they understand that there is a place for them in this career field as well.”
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