"We are excited about

Dipan's success," said Principal Dewitt Walker. "He brings recognition

to our school and our emphasis on information technology."

According to business and information

technology teacher Bruce Swann, Dipan and his brother come to the computer

laboratory before school, usually arriving at 7:30 a.m.

He returns at lunchtime or

after school. Because the training is self-directed, Dipan was able to

move at his own pace. He set goals for himself and has reached the first

level. Dipan is currently working on network certification with plans

to complete this by June.

"Being the first to do

anything is a challenge because you are ahead of the pack. Now that Dipan

has reached his goal, we will see even more students moving right behind

him. This tells our community that Banneker is on the cutting edge of

learning for the 21st century," Walker said.

For the past two years Banneker

has expanded its technology course offerings to range from computer repair

to media production and computer industry certification. The laboratories

offer the latest in technology and technology teachers like Swann encourage

independent learning. "To have a lab full of students before and

after school is not unusual at Banneker," Swann said.

CompTIA A + Certification

is the industry standard for validating vendor-neutral skills expected

of an entry-level computer technician. Those holding the A+ Certification

have a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating

system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing,

preventive maintenance, and basic networking. Higher levels of certification

include Network + and HTI + .