While most Palmetto students go about their ordinary day of school, senior Fahim Hack experiences something completely different. Hack is a computer assistant for Palmetto, helping to keep the school’s system up and running. Along with managing the upkeep of the school’s computers, Hack helps out many teachers and manages several school websites. Hack worked with computers throughout the summer to achieve this position.

“I worked with Miami Dade ITS [Information Technology Service] over the summer and when school started, I talked to Rolando Castillo and Annette Peipert, the school’s computer technicians, and asked them if I could become an assistant technician,” Hack said.

In addition to the summer program, Hack participated in a two-year course available at Palmetto called the Cisco Networking Academy, where students learn about the theories behind networking infrastructure.

“I went to a six week program called the Cisco Academy Apprenticeship Program. The program is divided into three parts; The first part focuses on curriculum, the second part is a hands on component where we are paired up with a member of ITS and we go out into the field, and the final part is a project that we present at the school board administration building in front of administrators, teachers, parents, and field support staff,” Hack said.

David Crummel, the head of Training Student Internship at ITS, was impressed with Hack so much that he awarded Hack and a group of four other students the winners of the competition.

“I believe Fahim was motivated by his experiences this summer, so much impacted that he is trying to make a difference in technology and impact how it is used,” Crummel said.

Castillo, one of the schools computer technicians, works very closely with Hack and sends him out on assignments. Castillo works for ITS, which is responsible for the school’s computer system and networking.

“Fahim has been a great help with just about everything. He sets up new computers, updates software, and explains to teachers how to use the software. For instance; right now he is setting up a teacher with a new reading program on their computers,” Castillo said.

Hack has helped web design teacher Becker Downie on multiple occasions.

“He does anything I need. A lot of times he will come in and help out students with some programs. In fact, many students prefer him to help them out and explain the program rather than me,” Downy Said.

Although Hack attends class everyday, the computer technicians are allowed to pull him out of class at any time to help.

“Fahim has been extremely helpful. He’s very knowledgeable in software use and the concepts of hardware. Basically, he’s registered as a student aid but can get the call at any time when we need him for something. We receive a request from a teacher for assistance and right away we send Fahim,” Castillo said.