Walker Middle School Students Explore Cybersecurity Careers

Students from Walker Middle School explore cybersecurity careers during a field trip at ThreatLocker.

News Summary

A group of 30 students from Walker Middle School recently visited ThreatLocker, a global cybersecurity firm, to learn about cyber threats and career opportunities in the field. The visit included insights from alumni and professionals who stressed the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age. Students engaged with various topics, inspiring interest in technology careers, and showcasing the relevance of education in real-world applications.

Orlando – A group of 30 students from Walker Middle School had an eye-opening experience exploring the field of cybersecurity during a recent field trip to ThreatLocker, a global cybersecurity firm. The event took place on March 24, 2025, and was aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of cyber threats and the essential role of cybersecurity in today’s digital world.

During the tour, the students were welcomed by ThreatLocker account manager Lonsard Denis, who is also a graduate of Walker Middle School. Denis shared his personal journey and career path in cybersecurity with the students. He encouraged them to consider pursuing careers in the field, reassuring them that with hard work, they too could find opportunities at ThreatLocker or similar organizations.

ThreatLocker’s Chief Revenue Officer Shane Deegan briefed the students on the significance of cybersecurity as well as the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. He explained how organized cyber threats are now targeted against both individuals and businesses alike, making the need for effective cybersecurity more critical than ever.

The field trip was organized by computer education teacher Shelley Green, who sought to provide the students with a practical glimpse of the cybersecurity industry beyond their classroom learning. Green emphasized that the students showed great enthusiasm while learning about various cybersecurity topics, including ransomware and hacking, further piquing their interest in potential career paths.

One seventh-grader, Charles Ingraham, expressed his excitement about the experience, revealing his interests in coding, cybersecurity, and graphic design. This feedback indicates that exposure to real-world applications in technology can greatly influence students’ career aspirations.

Denis reflected on his time as a student at Walker Middle School, noting that there was limited exposure to cybersecurity careers compared to today’s landscape. This firsthand connection serves as a vital motivational aspect for the students, establishing a tangible link between their educational experiences and potential professional futures.

Interestingly, at least two other employees at ThreatLocker are alumni from Walker Middle School, including Jamal Akram, a talent acquisition specialist, and Trevor Zabar, an account manager. This trend illustrates the local ties and opportunities for the students, making cybersecurity careers more tangible as they explore their options.

At the helm of ThreatLocker is CEO Danny Jenkins, who discovered his passion for computers when he was just 15. Under his leadership, the company has grown to encompass over 600 employees, specializing in innovative cybersecurity solutions.

ThreatLocker is recognized for its unique Zero Trust security approach, which involves various multilayered security measures, including endpoint protection, application control, storage control, and privileged access management. These robust strategies are designed to help organizations enhance their overall cybersecurity resilience and ensure operational continuity in an era plagued by constant cyber threats.

For those interested in exploring career opportunities in cybersecurity, ThreatLocker offers informational resources on its website, where potential candidates can learn more about employment options and the company’s efforts in the cybersecurity arena.

The Walker Middle School field trip marks a significant step in educating young minds about the importance of cybersecurity and inspiring the next generation of experts in this critical field.