History was made at West Mecklenburg High School, and it happened in a cybersecurity classroom.
Two students, Gregory Gardner (graduating senior) and Logan Melton (rising tenth grader), have become the first students in the entire Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district to earn the CompTIA Security+ certification. It’s a landmark achievement that speaks not only to their individual talent and grit, but to the growing strength of West Meck’s Career & Technical Education programs.
CompTIA Security+ is one of the most recognized and respected certifications in the cybersecurity industry. As a vendor-neutral credential, it validates core competencies that apply across a wide range of platforms and technologies, including network security, threat management, cryptography, and incident response.
Earning Security+ is no small feat. The certification is rigorous, industry-relevant, and widely regarded as the entry point for serious careers in information technology and cybersecurity. It even opens doors to roles with the Department of Defense, a testament to how highly it is regarded at the national level.
What makes Gregory and Logan’s achievement especially remarkable is the context: Logan is still in his freshman year. To earn a professional-grade cybersecurity certification before most students have finished tenth grade is extraordinary by any measure.
Gregory, stepping into the next chapter of his academic and professional journey, leaves West Meck with a credential that sets him apart in the workforce and in higher education.
Together, they don’t just hold certifications — they’ve set a new standard and blazed a trail for every West Meck student who follows the cybersecurity pathway.
Behind every milestone student is a dedicated educator. Harry Riley, their CTE instructor, guided Gregory and Logan through the complex, industry-level material required to pass the Security+ exam. His commitment to preparing students for real-world careers — not just classroom success — is exactly the kind of teaching that creates trailblazers.
This accomplishment is more than a personal win. It reflects a school and a community that believes in preparing young people for careers that matter — careers in a field where demand is growing, salaries are strong, and the work protects organizations and individuals every day.
West Mecklenburg’s CTE programs are building the next generation of technology professionals, and Gregory and Logan are proof that those students are ready for the challenge.
Congratulations to Gregory Gardner, Logan Melton, and Harry Riley, you’ve made West Meck proud.
Interested in cybersecurity or other CTE pathways at West Mecklenburg High School? Contact the school’s CTE department to learn more.