Downey High’s Aakriti Shaw Crowned California Microsoft PowerPoint Champion

Downey High School’s Aakriti Shaw has achieved a remarkable milestone by being named the California Microsoft Champion in Microsoft PowerPoint. This accolade qualifies her for the prestigious 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship. Aakriti secured this title by achieving the highest score in California on the demanding Microsoft Office Specialist certification exam for PowerPoint, part of the Microsoft 365 Apps suite.

Aakriti’s accomplishment signifies the fourth consecutive year that Downey High School has produced a state champion, highlighting the effectiveness of the school’s Business Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. These programs are designed to equip students with essential, industry-recognized skills that enhance their readiness for both college and future careers.

As California’s representative, Aakriti will compete in the MOS U.S. National Championship, an event organized by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, and sponsored by Microsoft. Scheduled for mid-June in Nashville, Tennessee, the national competition gathers the best student scorers from across the nation in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The MOS U.S. National Championship is known for its competitive nature, offering participants an opportunity to network, earn national recognition, and develop professional and leadership skills. Contestants vie for scholarships, prizes, and the title of U.S. national champion. Additionally, top finalists may have the chance to represent the United States at the MOS World Championship.

During the three-day event, competitors will engage in leadership workshops, testing sessions, and professional learning experiences. The competition culminates in a national awards ceremony that celebrates the country’s top performers.

Principal of Downey High School, Tom Houts, praised Aakriti’s achievement, stating, “Aakriti’s achievement reflects an extraordinary level of dedication, skill, and professionalism. We are incredibly proud of her and of the opportunities our CTE programs provide students to excel at the state and national levels.”

The Business CTE pathway at Downey High emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications. This approach not only prepares students for certifications but also provides a competitive edge in both academic and professional spheres. Aakriti’s success serves as a powerful example of the impact of these educational pathways, inspiring students throughout the school to strive for excellence.