By Emily Williams

Senior Paige Scott will represent the state of Illinois at the Microsoft Competition in Dallas, Texas at the Gaylord resort in June. On June 20, the organization leaders will be hosting an orientation/ kickoff party for the contestants. During this time, participants will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and make new friends along the way. 

On June 21, Paige will be taking the big test from 9am-4pm, along with 75-100 other contestants in her division. 

“It can be nerve wracking going in there not knowing anyone,” said Paige, “but I feel pretty confident about taking the test.”  With her parents and her sister there, she will have enough support from home. 

 The scores will be released the next day.  The 1st place winner will receive $3000 and a spot in the World Competition, 2nd receives $1500, and 3rd $750. 

To enter the competition, Paige had to take Information Processing l taught by Ms. Westjohn and test for PowerPoint through Certiport. Based on Paige’s score and the time it took her to complete the test, she was then selected to represent Illinois in Dallas. From there, she can earn a spot at the World Competition. 

Being in Information Processing also heightened Paige’s skills in Powerpoint and gave her even more knowledge with the program. 

Paige also has the opportunity to win scholarships from this competition and will be able to make contacts to help her out in the future.

Paige said “probably on a scale of 1-10 on how excited I am, I’d give myself a 7, because I’m excited about taking the test, but nervous because I won’t know anyone there.”