The National Heritage Academies® online school is equipping students for success beyond graduation.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a world increasingly defined by technology, real-world learning experiences are pivotal for students preparing for life after high school. Recently, three students from PrepNet Virtual Academy—seniors Kendall Ellis and Jason Lucas, along with freshman Everett Post-Petkus—had the unique opportunity to participate in the third annual Michigan High School Cyber Summit, held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan.
The Cyber Summit brought together students, educators, and industry leaders to address a pressing challenge: cybersecurity and its growing importance in today’s digital landscape. The event aims to not only educate but also inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, aligning with the commitment of National Heritage Academies® (NHA) to prepare students for college, careers, and life.
Selection for this event was based on recommendations from their technology teacher, who recognized these students’ enthusiasm and aptitude for digital learning. During the summit, they engaged in a variety of breakout sessions led by cybersecurity experts, attended live demonstrations, and interacted with advanced technology, including a highlight of the event—a robot dog capable of detecting thermal energy to identify overheating equipment before potential failures occur. This demonstration reinforced a significant theme of the summit: technology is not meant to replace human beings but rather to enhance their capabilities.
Kendall Ellis shared her insights, noting, “The Cyber Summit is an opportunity to learn from experts discussing cybersecurity issues and how to resolve them safely.” This sentiment echoes the broader mission of NHA to cultivate virtues like curiosity, integrity, and perseverance among its students, equipping them to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Elley Kooienga, PrepNet’s College Readiness Counselor, expressed her enthusiasm for bringing students to such a pivotal event. She stated, “Bringing PrepNet students to the Cyber Summit allowed them to engage with cutting-edge technology, connect with industry professionals, and envision careers in cybersecurity. Experiences like this empower our students to explore, learn, and grow.”
Through participation in events like the Cyber Summit, NHA students are not merely absorbing information about technology; they are actively discovering how the school’s Moral Focus™ virtues can set them on a path to success in a complex digital landscape.
About National Heritage Academies:
National Heritage Academies® (NHA) operates a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving over 67,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For additional information, visit nhaschools.com or use the NHA school finder to locate a charter school in your area.
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