![The new leadership at Dinuba Intermediate School (from left to right): Jessica Juarez (soon to be Jessica Chavez) - Learning Director, Rosa Carreon - Counselor, Hilda Osorio - Counselor, Gloria Valencia - Principal, and Micah Hiett - Learning Director. [Photo courtesy of Gloria Valencia]](https://emperorgrapevine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/682710295_18557787079066828_5882969838312812831_n-900x1200.jpg)
Dinuba High School’s NJROTC swells with pride after its CyberPatriot team achieved a stunning victory. In the 2025-2026 CyberPatriot State Round Competition, the team claimed 1st Place in the Silver Tier of the California All Service Division, and they also won the 2nd Place Semifinals Silver Tier Award for Nationals, a record-breaking achievement for the program.
For Dinuba’s NJROTC unit, this win means more than a trophy. It shows the hard work and dedication the team put in for months. They studied during lunch, worked after school, worked through difficult problems, and stayed committed to improving their skills. Competing at this level demands focus, technical expertise, and composure under pressure – qualities the cadets demonstrated in abundance.
The competition is part of CyberPatriot, a national cybersecurity program funded by the Air & Space Forces Association. In this competition, students are given virtual computer systems and must protect them from simulated cyberattacks. They have to find security weaknesses, fix them, and defend their systems in real time. These are the same challenges that cybersecurity professionals face every day.
Winning first place in the Silver Tier, a category that tests both individual prowess and collaborative synergy, is a significant accomplishment. Teams from across California compete, and success hinges on strong skills and cohesive collaboration. The Dinuba cadets proved that unity and determination yield results.
The winning team consists of Troy Ballinger, Alexander Naranjo, Clarissa Tapia, Elijah Pruneda, Alejandro Castro, Francisa Vargas, and Damian Alcantar. Each student brought unique strengths, but their collective support and teamwork made the difference.
This achievement showcases Dinuba High School’s robust STEM programs and the leadership skills developed in NJROTC. Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and these students are building a solid foundation for their futures.
This first-place win is a triumph not just for the team but for the entire school and community. Congratulations to these outstanding cadets for representing Dinuba High School with integrity, professionalism, and Emperor pride.
