World PowerPoint Champ

Jacob Blacksten, a UD freshman and a state 4-H member, won the 2012 world championship in Microsoft PowerPoint at a competition held in Las Vegas this past summer.

Blacksten is the first American to win the event, which attracted more than 285,000 candidates from 53 countries who competed to demonstrate their mastery of Microsoft Office products. He won a $5,000 scholarship from Certiport Inc., for his accomplishment.

A graduate of Caesar Rodney High School, Blacksten is a freshman in UD’s Associate in Arts Program at the Delaware Technical Community College campus in Dover through the state’s SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) scholarship program.

“My experiences in 4-H over the years have helped me achieve in other areas of my life, including at this competition. I’ve participated in 4-H public speaking competitions that have increased my ability to stay cool under pressure,” he says.

“Out in Las Vegas I wasn’t really sure I had done that well. When they announced my name as the winner I sat in shock for maybe 30 seconds. I couldn’t believe I had won.”

Blacksten is unsure of his career plans but is leaning toward majoring in engineering with a minor in business.