BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Hernando High School students are putting their knowledge for computer coding to the test.

What You Need To Know

  • Students in the Academy of Computer Science and Cybersecurity recently competed in a ‘Hacking for Hope’ event, raising more than $1,000 for charity

  • The event aimed at raising money for “Give Kids the World” charity, organized by cybersecurity teacher Mason Lewis

  • People could donate money based on the amount of ‘flags’ that were captured or give a flat rate

  • Donations are still being accepted for ‘Give Kids the World’ online right here

Students in the Academy of Computer Science and Cybersecurity recently competed in a Hacking for Hope event. Collectively, they raised more than $1,000 for charity. The skills these students are learning are changing the technology landscape.

“I could really do something that’s cool and like, ‘Wow, what do you do for a living?’ Oh, I hack into people’s computers and whatnot,” says Hannah Pearson, a senior at Hernando High.

Inside a Hernando High School classroom, students learn the fundamentals of ethical hacking. In other words, computer hacking. Only, it’s not exactly what you might think.

“We wouldn’t hold anyone’s information for ransom or anything,” says Pearson. “That’s bad. That’s not ethical whatsoever. We’re more on the side of trying to swoop in and save the day.”

Just this month, students’ skills were put to the test during a special event. Participating in Hacking for Hope, an event aimed at raising money for Give Kids the World charity.

The event was organized by cybersecurity teacher Mason Lewis.

“When I became aware of Give Kids the World Village, I kind of knew of a cause,” Lewis said. “I wanted to help through my students and we went to these hacking competitions and it kind of became natural.”

Students had to go into a computer system and find what they call vulnerability flags in computers. Or areas of weakness where a potential hacker could attack.

“We did a capture the flag so you’re attacking a computer, basically, and you have to capture little bits of information called flags,” said Deegan David, senior at Hernando High School. “There’s a certain amount you need to capture in order to win.”

People could donate money based on the amount of flags that were captured or give a flat rate. It’s real-life experience for these students, prepping them for life after school.

“It comes to me naturally,” says Pearson. “I really do enjoy it and, like I said, there are plenty of opportunities and it does. The pay’s not bad, either, which isn’t a bad thing!”

Students will be competing in a statewide Hack-A-Thon competition in the spring. Meanwhile, donations are still being accepted for Give Kids the World. You can learn more information online here.