When Arthur Schieszer was in middle school, he caught the cybersecurity bug. A self-described “tinkerer,” Arthur was always curious, but it wasn’t until he discovered CyberPatriots that his hobby transformed into a career path. “The spark came when I realized cybersecurity isn’t just defensive,” Arthur recalls. “I saw I could be on the offensive side—performing penetration testing and ethical hacking.”
In high school, Arthur competed in his first Missouri Cybersecurity Challenge hosted by MOREnet. The event was an eye opener, exposing him to the vast landscape of the field and the depth of what he had yet to master. His team from Summit Technology Academy dominated, securing second place in 2023 and first place 2024.
“MOREnet’s capture-the-flag (CTF) stands out because of the sheer variety and difficulty,” Arthur says. “Some of those problems are perfect for newcomers and some would likely still be a challenge for me today!”
Now a university student tackling the rigors of computer science and mathematics, Arthur hasn’t forgotten his roots. He recently returned to his alma mater to mentor the 2026 Summit Tech CTF team. For Arthur, mentoring is about paying it forward. He avoids giving easy answers, preferring to walk students through the problem-solving process with thought-provoking questions and encouragement.
“I enjoy giving students the kickstart they need,” he says. “You want to teach them how to find the answers, because the ability to research makes up for any lack of knowledge. If you do it for them, they don’t learn. If you teach them how, it makes all the difference.”
Reflecting on his competitive journey, Arthur notes that the challenges provided more than just technical skills; they provided perspective. “Every challenge puts me in a valley for a while, showing me exactly where I need to grow.” Beyond the technical “valleys,” the events served as a valuable networking tool. “It’s one of the best ways to meet people. I wouldn’t have my internship this summer if it wasn’t for the connections I made through cybersecurity challenges.”
When it comes to daily security, Arthur’s advice is practical: start by using an ad blocker and a professional password manager. For students? “Be curious. Ask for help. Rely on all your research skills, not just AI.”
As for the future, Arthur is staying grounded. While he is considering pursuing a master’s degree after completing his undergraduate degree in computer science, he’s leaving room for the unexpected. “I would never have dreamt I’d experience what I have so far,” he says. “It makes it hard to even imagine what the next five years might hold.”
The Value of the MOREnet Cybersecurity Challenge for Missouri Students
Through a strategic partnership with EnterpriseKC, the MOREnet Cybersecurity Challenge utilizes a sophisticated cyber range to simulate the complex network environments and real-world threats that professionals face every day. Beyond the thrill of the leaderboard, the Challenge serves as a powerful professional springboard. While traditional exams test memory, a CTF environment tests agility. Students aren’t just identifying vulnerabilities; they are learning to navigate the high-stakes pressure of a digital defense scenario.
This “trial by fire” builds a unique kind of resilience, teaching participants how to pivot when an initial solution fails, a mindset that makes them immediately more valuable in the workforce.
MOREnet CTF provides an authentic, high-impact experience that is hard to replicate in the classroom. It is a competition that brings together technical skills, teamwork and real-world application in a way that’s engaging and meaningful for students. For us, it’s not just a competition – it’s a culminating experience that reinforces everything we teach and gives students a clear vision of what’s possible in the field.
-Christina Wiseman-Buckner, Summit Technology Academy
For many, this competition is the spark that turns a general interest in technology into a dedicated career path. This transformation comes at a critical time: Missouri is experiencing tremendous growth in the sector. Cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield are seeing major expansion in cybersecurity opportunities across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology sectors. By participating in the MOREnet Challenge, students aren’t just playing a game—they are auditioning for the careers that will define Missouri’s economic future.
Registration is open for 2027! Learn more about the Missouri Cybersecurity Challenge and how to get involved.