David Christenson

Computer Technology

Timpview High School

DESERET NEWS - KSL 5 TV STERLING SCHOLAR AWARDS

STUDENT ENTRY FORMS 2010 NAME OF NOMINEE ___David Christenson______________________________________________________ SCHOOL ___Timpview High School_________ CATEGORY ____Computer Technology____________ List up to six activities, honors and awards relating to your category.

• Fourth Place in the Nation in Help Desk: Provided with an all-expense paid trip to Anaheim, California to compete at the 2009 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Help Desk.

• First Place in the State in Help Desk: Won first place in the Help Desk category at the 2009 FBLA State Leadership Conference. The competition combined a test of computer problem-solving skills and client interaction in a role playing scenario.

• Second Place in the State in Cyber Security: Placed second in Cyber Security at the 2008 State Leadership Conference (my first FBLA competition). Also competed nationally in Atlanta, Georgia in this category.

• Placed in two additional categories at 2008 State: Placed fifth in Introduction to Technology Concepts and sixth in Network Design at the 2008 State Leadership Conference in Ogden.

• Placed in three additional categories at 2009 State: Placed fourth in Network Design, fifth in Technology Concepts, and sixth in Networking Concepts at the 2009 State Leadership Conference.

• First in three categories at 2009 Region: Placed first in Networking Concepts, Technology Concepts, and Computer Problem Solving at the 2009 Central Region FBLA competition, as well as second in Network Design.

Choose one of the above, describe it briefly and explain why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn and what did you accomplish?

It is hard to explain the excitement that comes with winning first place in anything, particularly at the state level. Before the presentation portion for Help Desk at the 2009 State Competition, I had the chance to talk with my competitors while we waited. I learned that in a lot of ways my competitors and I were similar. We talked about the various projects we’ve worked on with computers that had both directly and indirectly prepared us for the competition. I was intimidated but also fascinated by the level of expertise that my competitors had. This interaction made hearing my name as the first place winner in Help Desk all the more meaningful.

I felt a great sense of responsibility in representing Utah at the national level in California, so I knew that I had to do everything I could to prepare. The Help Desk category is one that is not particularly easy to study for in a traditional way. I would be given a multiple choice test about computer problem solving skills followed by a role playing scenario with a judge acting as a client with a computer issue. Computer problem-solving and people skills are not things that can be easily learned from traditional study methods. So I took it upon myself to help as many friends, family members, and teachers as possible before the national competition. There is rarely a shortage of people needing computer assistance, and in the months leading up to the competition I helped people with things like installing operating systems, replacing hardware, resolving network issues, and removing viruses. This firsthand experience with a very wide range of issues helped me substantially in being comfortable with whatever the competition could throw at me. Not only did I learn how to solve unique real-world problems, but I became proficient at explaining what the problem was and developing analogies to explain complex computer concepts to people with little computer experience.

It was also exciting to meet students from around the country in Anaheim and to share high school experiences and our expertise about computers. I learned a lot from the people I interacted with at the conference. Not only was the conference a worthwhile experience for me, but my efforts to prepare for it provided me with valuable skills that I will use for the rest of my life.

STUDENT ENTRY FORM (page two) List up to six activities, honors, awards and accomplishments that relate to the leadership and citizenship qualifications.

• Eagle Scout Award: Received the award at the age of 14. • Member of Debate Club: Joined the debate club in its first year at Timpview High School. • Member of National Honor Society: Active in the National Honors Society and was a member of

the Junior Honors Society in middle school • Member of Stake Youth Council: Currently serve on my church’s Stake Youth Council, which

plans events and activities for nine congregations. • President of two quorums: Served as the president of the Deacon’s Quorum and Teacher’s

Quorum. • Duty to God Award: Earned the Duty to God award as a deacon and teacher in my church, and

am currently working toward receiving the award as a priest. Describe two or three unique things about yourself and relate them to your category, if possible. Include challenges you have overcome and describe any distinctive experiences that have affected you. From a young age I knew I loved computers. Of course, playing games and surfing the internet was fun, but it led to an intense desire to learn how computers worked, how games were made, and how the internet came to be. As I studied the hardware, software, and networks that were beginning to become a huge component of our world, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Before long, I was having more fun fixing computers than I was playing video games. Three years ago I created a website to help people who were shopping for computers. I didn't charge; I just enjoyed doing the research. They'd tell me what they needed, and I'd send a recommendation for a computer and where to buy it. I learned a lot as I did this, and I received positive feedback from the several dozen people who used my service. (They had no idea I was only 14.) I've also bought inexpensive computers to experiment with Linux operating systems and various network/server environments. This has helped me become familiar with computer concepts that I would not have come across under normal circumstances. Two years ago I used the expertise I had acquired to build a computer. How do you think your involvement in this category will enrich your life? I look forward to studying information technology at a university and having a career working with

computers. No other field is developing as quickly as the computer industry. As technology continues

to advance rapidly, it improves the efficiency of businesses and home life, advances health care, and

provides recreation and enjoyment. It will be rewarding to contribute to the technological momentum

that is changing our world.

Computer Technology

2009 Region 1st Networking Concepts

1st Technology Concepts

1st Computer Problem Solving

2nd Network Design

2008 State

2nd Cyber Security

5th Intro to Technology Concepts

6th Network Design

2009 State

1st Help Desk

4th Network design

5th Technology Concepts

6th Networking Concepts

I have competed in a variety of computer-related

categories at multiple Future Business Leaders of

America events. Most events are tests of computer

and networking knowledge. Help Desk and Network

Design have a presentation element in which one

must provide a solution for a scenario. USU Invitational

3rd Technology Concepts

Computer Technology

Awards and Activities

I took first place in the Help Desk category at the 2009 FBLA State

Conference. This qualified me for the national competition in Anaheim.

The Help Desk competition involves two parts. The first is a multiple choice

test about computer concepts and problem solving. The people with the

highest scores advance to the finals.

The finals in the Help Desk Competition at state and nationals involve a

troubleshooting scenario with a judge who acts as a client. After a brief

period to prepare, finalists give a presentation and interact with the judge,

fielding any questions he/she might have. My response was judged on both

the technical accuracy of my solution for the problem, and the clarity of my

explanation to the judge. It is important to provide both a technical

explanation of the problem along with a simplified version that could be

easily understood by those with little computer knowledge.

To the right is a computer that I built in late 2007. I use this computer for intensive tasks like video editing.

The specifications are: 2.4GHz Intel Quad Core Processor overclocked at 3.33GHz, 3GB RAM, ATI HD2900XT, 400GB HDD, Abit IP35-E motherboard, 700W power supply, 24” Monitor, and Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 speakers.

At Timpview High School, as part of my computer

management period, I manage the school’s

network. This involves repairing computers, wiring,

creating and deploying images, and assisting

faculty and staff with computer questions and

problems. I also assist students in programming

and web design classes.

Computer Technology

Web Development

This is a personal website I

designed with HTML and CSS. It is

used as a blog and for hosting files for friends and family.

It is hosted on my personal server at

my home on Windows Server 2008. In addition to web hosting, this

system is used as an FTP, file, and

media server. I also frequently use

Remote Desktop to manage the server and access files when I’m

away from home.

I have also created and edited various

pages of the Timpview High School

website. This is a screenshot of a site

I made for the school’s game club.

Additionally, I created a custom

Timpview High School theme for the

Mozilla Firefox browser that was

installed in the school’s computer lab.

I ran a website called eshoppinghelp.com

where I helped people choose the best product

(most commonly computers and TV’s) for their

needs and where to go for the best deal. I

received very positive feedback from my

clients and although the service was offered

for free, I received multiple tips.

Computer Technology

I have taken the following courses: Computer Technology Web Page Design 2 Administrative Procedures Computer Programming Computer Management (two years) Multimedia Development I excelled in all state tests, which qualified me for the skill certificates to the left.

Through these classes and my own independent study, I

have developed proficiency in the following programs:

Adobe Creative Suite Creative Suite 2, 3, and 4

Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007

Adobe Audition, Sony Acid, Audacity, and Fruity Loops

Operating Systems Windows 98 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows Server 2003 Windows Server 2008 Ubuntu Fedora OpenSUSE

Classes and Software

Overall Scholarship

Academic Recognition

Academic Letters

Social Studies

Business

English

Computer

Technology

Of the 1.5 million students who took the

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying

Examination, I was one of 34,000 students

who received a commendation for

outstanding performance.

Overall Scholarship

Schoolwork and Debate

I have utilized my skills with

computers to add creativity

to my school work. This is a screenshot of a website I

built for an AP English

assignment.

I am an active member of Timpview High School’s Debate Team which was started

this year. I have found that the skills I’ve learned in debate team have been very

helpful in school and in my interaction with people.

Debate Topics

Public health concerns

justify compulsory

immunization.

Economic sanctions ought

not be used to achieve

foreign policy objectives.

Records of an individual’s

home Internet use ought

to be protected from

unreasonable search and

seizure by the

government.

Overall Scholarship

Extra Curricular and AP

At my first DECA competition I placed first in a business test that was taken by every student in

attendance. I was told that my score was high enough to potentially win at the state

competition which is to be held on February 25-26th. I also placed 2nd in my event of Retail

Merchandising.

AP Courses I’ve Taken:

AP US History

AP English Language

AP US Government

AP English Literature

AP Calculus

I am an active member of the National

Honor Society.

Overall Scholarship

Travel and Study Abroad

I lived in the Brigham Young University London Centre for six months of my freshman year. During this time I took English 300 and Humanities 202 as well as completing the requirements for Travel Study credit. I frequently visited museums and historical locations during this time. I learned a lot through my interaction with these students and in exploring London.

Countries I’ve Visited England Wales Scotland Ireland France Italy Greece Turkey Mexico Guatemala Belize

As I have traveled, I have

learned about the history and

cultures of the countries I’ve

visited. It has been my

privilege to explore many

museums and study history at

the sites where they occurred.

My travel has given me a

greater perspective of the

world.

Citizenship

I earned the Eagle Scout award in 2006 at

the age of 14. I organized and executed my

project of creating Child Identification Kits

for local children. Over 2100 children go

missing every day, and my project was

designed to help this problem. Police

search efforts are made much easier if

these kits are available.

I ran two tables at an elementary school to create

and distribute identification kits to students

attending Parent Teacher Conferences. These kits

included a picture, DNA sample, and fingerprints of

the child. There was great interest in the project and

the tables were consistently busy.

Eagle Scout

Citizenship

Church and Scouting

I have earned 21 merit badges:

Archery

Art Basketry

Camping

Citizenship in the Community

Citizenship in the Nation Citizenship in the World

Communications

Emergency Preparedness

Environmental Science Family Life

First Aid

Forestry

Indian Lore Nature

Orienteering

Personal Fitness

Personal Management

Pioneering Swimming

Wilderness Survival

I have received the Duty to God award

as a Deacon and a Teacher, and am on

track to complete the final level of the

program as a Priest.

The Duty to God award requires service

to the community, involvement in

church and family, and reaching goals

related to mental, physical, and

spiritual development.

Citizenship

School Newspaper

I write for the Timpview High School,

Thunderbolt. I have contributed to

the newspaper by writing, taking

photographs, and contacting

companies to sell advertising space.

It has been a great experience

publishing stories for the school’s

popular newspaper and conducting

interviews with students and faculty.

Citizenship

Service

Over the past few years I have

participated in many service projects.

Twice I have helped the Food Bank

sort the cans of food that have been

donated. I have also assisted with

activities at RAH (Recreation and

Habilitation Services), a center for

people with special needs on two

different occasions (see photograph).

Other service projects include

repainting and doing yard work for a

community center, removing graffiti,

and shoveling snow or raking leaves

for nearby widows and families.

I also frequently help the teachers

at my school with their computers.

This has included installing new

software or hardware, teaching

how to use programs, and solving

computer problems. I enjoy using

the knowledge I have acquired

about computers to help people.

Leadership

I have served as the

President of both the

Deacon’s and Teacher’s

Quorums within my church.

I held weekly meetings with

my presidency to discuss

upcoming activities and how

the quorum was doing.

I was chosen by my Bishop to

serve on the Stake Youth

Council. I attend monthly

meetings and assist with

activities and programs. I also

help plan this summer’s Stake

Youth Conference that will

involve service projects and

activities for personal

development.

During the six months that I lived in London I was

in charge of the computers and the network at the

BYU London Centre. I assisted professors with

their computers and media presentations, fixed

problems on the laptops of the forty students living

there, managed and improved the efficiency of the

router, and maintained the computers provided by

the university for the center.

Church and Computers