Computer club continues to inspire its members

MN is known for its robust football program and strong academics. However, for the first time this year, MN is making a statement in computer science. With a new teacher came many new innovations that sparked many new interests.

“It was my goal to revamp the computer science program here at MN. Being so close to the UNO campus and the Peter Kiewit Institute, it would have been a shame not to take advantage of the opportunities that were already out there,” computer science teacher and club sponsor Jonathan Ringenberg said.

With the new computer science teacher came many new changes as well. A computer science club was formed and opportunities for competitions became available to interested students.

“I’ve been doing computer science for about seven years now and with the arrival of the new computer science teacher, I decided to help found computer science club to share my passion with other students,” senior Matt Meacham said.

The students who take computer science classes at MN and the members of the computer science club have already found success in the world of competitions and awards. The MN team took second place at Nullify, a competition with various cyber security challenges that took place on Nov. 14.

“Cyber security is very big right now and there are more job positions available than you could possibly fill. I think that it’s important to give students these opportunities. The money was out there. It was just about getting it and bringing it to the school,” Ringenberg said.

Computer science club has been beneficial to many students. The newly created club provides a place for students to get introduced to computer science and the world after high school.

“Computer science club gives me time to work on computer science class assignments. It’s one of the best clubs I attend because of the diversity of projects going on in the class. Mr. Ringenberg has also given presentations and announcements on the newest technology and opportunities for high school students,” junior Morgan Haworth said.

The club also provides a place for students with similar interests to share ideas and get to know each other.

Although it is only its first year, the computer science program here at MN has grown tremendously already. With the new teacher and a new club to help spark new interests and provide challenges, the program has already found success in making a statement.