Newport high schooler wins national event

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Cooper Ericksen, a student at Newport High School, placed first in the nation in the highly competitive Computer Applications event at the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference, this year June 29–July 2 in Anaheim, California. An incoming senior, Ericksen is the first student from Newport to ever compete at the national level for FBLA, marking a historic achievement for the high school.

“There were so many other students there,” Ericksen said.

“[It] felt like a lot of pressure to try and stand out.”

What set Ericksen apart from those students was his dedication, attention to detail and technological skills, according to a Newport High School news release.

“He embodies the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and excellence that our [Career and Technical Education] programs strive to instill in every student,” CTE program director Saraya Pierce wrote in the news release.

Computer Applications aims to inspire students like Ericksen to learn how to apply computers in the handling of business information, according to FBLA’s website.

The competitive event has two parts. The first was a 50-minute objective test on basic computer terminology and concepts; multimedia applications; “netiquette,” legal issues and security; and even formatting and proofreading. This was followed by a two-hour production test on creating and integrating databases, spreadsheets, word processing and presentations.

Some of the key components of Computer Applications are digital tools, software applications, data analysis and presentation skills. According to the news release, Newport’s CTE program provided Ericksen a strong foundation in all of them.

“His success serves as an inspiring reminder of what students can achieve when they are equipped with practical skills and encouraged to explore their interests,” Pierce wrote.

Ericksen has represented Newport’s CTE program before, competing at the Technology Student Association National Leadership Conferences in 2023 and 2024. He has also earned six Microsoft certifications through a CTE course in Newport’s Business and Marketing Program.

And now, a first-place trophy and banner with his newest title: Computer Applications National Champion, 2025.

“It’s an experience I’ll never forget,” Ericksen said.