Vortex Data Systems Selects 20 Youths to Receive Best and Brightest III Scholarship

San Diego, CA, June 11, 1999 – Vortex Data Systems selected 20 high school juniors and seniors to participate in the Best and Brightest III scholarship program. The program, a joint project with Microsoft and Sylvan Prometric, provides an opportunity for the selected students to earn a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification, the initial step toward becoming a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), a coveted designation in the computer engineering field. Classes are scheduled to begin at the Vortex educational center in San Diego on June 21. The program includes two weeks of intensive Microsoft classes on Networking Essentials, Administering Windows NT 4.0, and Supporting Windows NT 4.0; exam preparation; two exams; and a graduation/career day. The scholarship is valued at $4,000 per student.

The rigorous Best and Brightest III application process consisted of: an application package that included an essay outlining the student’s technical experience and demonstrating a technical aptitude, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and letters of reference; a computer industry/technical exam; and an interview with Vortex staff.

The selected students are:

• Brian Bell (University City High School)
• Dennis Bollman (Grossmont High School)
• Nathan Brown (Mount Carmel High School)
• Nathanael Cachat (Guajome Park Academy)
• James Chheng (Valhalla High School)
• Matthew Concha (Monte Vista High School)
• Randy Edwards (Scripps Ranch High School)
• Bradly Feeley (Valhalla High School)
• Charles Gallucci (Granite Hills High School)
• John Glass (San Dieguito Academy)
• David Greer (San Dieguito Academy)
• David Hoffman (Valhalla High School)
• Geoff Maddox (Guajome Park Academy)
• Jacob McNamara (El Camino High School)
• Chris Nguyen (Monte Vista High School)
• Su Nguyen (Crawford High School)
• Justin Pehau (Monte Vista High School)
• Joshua Skeels (Monte Vista High School)
• Andrew Stine (Grossmont High School)
• Steven Wessels (Granite Hills High School)

Now in its third session, the Best and Brightest program has become a popular annual scholarship. It is open to junior and senior high school students in both government and private San Diego county high schools. To be considered for the scholarship, students must meet basic qualifications including: be a junior or senior in high school; possess an aptitude for computer technology, excellence in technical and academic studies, solid work ethic, and exemplary moral character; show a commitment to excellence, personal growth, personal responsibility, and self-determination; and posses the personal appearance, demeanor, and self-confidence of a business professional.

Vortex Data Systems is one of the leading sources of technical information in San Diego County. They offer authorized technical certification courses from Microsoft, Novell, and HyCurve as well as a complete range of custom applications and Internet courses. Vortex is also an authorized Sylvan Prometric testing center, which allows students to take their exams in the same facility where they attended classes. In addition, they provide their facilities to some of the top user groups at no charge. For more information on Vortex and its programs, please see their comprehensive web site at www.vortexdata.com.

For more information contact: 

Kristine Guynup
Marketing Coordinator
Vortex Data Systems
7480 Mission Valley Road, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92108

Tel: 619 497.6400 ext. 210
Fax: 619 497.6410
Email: kguynup@vortexdata.com