CANFIELD, Ohio - A local student made history this week with his information technology achievements at the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC).

Cooper Terziu, a student in MCCTC's Networking & Cybersecurity program has become the first student in the program's history to earn both the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications. 

MCCTC congratulated Terziu in a Wednesday statement, saying the accomplishment "reflects a high level of technical knowledge, dedication, and commitment to excellence in cybersecurity and networking." 

Through the technical center's work-release program, Terziu also works as a Level 1 Technician at Avrem Technologies, where MCCTC says he is able to apply his training to a professional IT environment.

Terziu's achievement alone is impressive but his instructors say that the fact he earned both certifications while still in high school is rare, and exceptional.

"These certifications place a student years ahead of the typical IT career pathway. It speaks volumes about his work ethic, his skill, and his future potential in the industry," Terziu's instructor, Alex Benson said.

Once he graduates, MCCTC said Terziu plans to continue his education at Kent State University.