Steele student excels in Microsoft PowerPoint competition

Written by Tiffany Doporto (Northwest ISD intern)

For most students, Microsoft PowerPoint is simply a classroom tool used to create presentations. For Rebecca Sutherlin, a junior at Steele Early College High School, it became a pathway to the global stage.

Rebecca competed in the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Anaheim, California, in July. The global competition recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional skills using Microsoft Office programs. Rebecca placed eighth in the Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft 365 Apps) live competitive event and was among 135 finalists representing 36 countries.

“Placing eighth was incredible because I had the honor of representing Steele, NISD, Texas and the United States on a global scale,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca previously earned the title of national champion after placing first in the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship, earning her a spot at the World Championship. The competitions recognize excellence in Microsoft Office while helping students build confidence, strengthen essential digital skills and gain real-world experience that can prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven workforce.

Rebecca's journey began in her CTE Business Information Management class when she took the certification exam for PowerPoint.

“When I was taking the test to certify in PowerPoint in my CTE Business Information Management class, there was an option to enter my score into the national competition, and I thought, ‘Why not?’” Rebecca said. “I didn't expect to become the Texas State Champion, let alone make it to the World Championship!”

That willingness to take a chance is one of the qualities that sets Rebecca apart, said Sarah Zeballos, a Steele Early College High School teacher.

“What sets her apart is her willingness to keep learning and improving, even after she has already achieved a high level of success,” Zeballos said. “She is coachable, self-motivated, and committed to producing work she can be proud of.”

During the World Championship, participants completed a project-based exam designed to test their technical proficiency, operational skills and creativity. This year's finalists were challenged to develop a comprehensive project for a nonprofit client, putting their Microsoft PowerPoint skills to the test in a real-world scenario.

Rebecca's journey to the world championship began with the national qualifying process. Students ages 13 to 22 from across the country can enter by earning a qualifying score on a Microsoft certification exam in Word, Excel or PowerPoint. Students can qualify during either the fall or spring competition period.

At the conclusion of each qualifying round, students with the highest scores in each exam category receive invitations to compete at the U.S. National Championship. Up to 12 students from each state can advance based on their scores.

Rebecca entered the national competition without knowing how far the opportunity would take her.

“I've definitely learned that I'm capable of far more than I ever imagined. Honestly, I went into Nationals already expecting to lose,” Rebecca said. “I'll never forget the feeling of complete shock when my name was called. It's a great reminder to never underestimate what I can achieve.”

For Rebecca, the experience was about much more than placing eighth in the world. It was an opportunity to challenge herself, represent her school, district, state and country, and discover just how far her skills could take her.

What began as a PowerPoint certification exam in a high school classroom ultimately led Rebecca to compete on a global stage, proving that sometimes, taking a chance on “Why not?” can open doors far beyond the classroom.