Alleghany Highlands Public Schools

The “Pink Bus,” a mobile cybersecurity lab created by Teneo Group, is parked outside Covington Middle School on Tuesday, Oct. 28, as part of its Mid-Atlantic tour to give students hands-on experience in cybersecurity careers. (AHPS Photo)

Pink Bus Inspires AHPS Students to Explore Tech Careers

COVINGTON — The “Pink Bus” visited Alleghany Highlands Public Schools on Tuesday, Oct. 28, giving students a hands-on look at careers in cybersecurity.

Created by Northern Virginia-based Teneo Group, the bus is currently touring the Mid-Atlantic to introduce students to a growing field with high earning potential. In Virginia, high school graduates with the appropriate credentials can start careers in cybersecurity, earning between $87,000 and $120,000 a year.

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is among the first school divisions in Virginia to be visited by the Pink Bus. The tour stopped at Alleghany High School in the morning and Covington Middle School in the afternoon. 

Cole Erickson of Check Point Software Technologies, a global cybersecurity company, attended the event to offer insight into industry trends and answer students’ questions about real-world applications of cybersecurity tools. 

The Pink Bus has an unusual history. Originally built in 2005 as a blood donation vehicle for the American Red Cross, it has since been transformed into a mobile cybersecurity lab, shifting its mission from protecting health to protecting digital systems.

During the visit, students explored cybersecurity through games and interactive activities designed to build problem-solving and tech skills.

AHS freshman Luke Simmons, whose father once worked in a related field, said he found the activities challenging at first but soon got the hang of them. “It really helps people when they let you know what the pay is,” Simmons said. He added that the experience made him consider cybersecurity as a possible career.

“We’re trying to get kids interested early because the industry really needs more skilled professionals,” said Paul Warnagiris, CEO of Teneo Group, who has more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity. “Cybersecurity is fun. Every problem is different, and solving them feels like winning a game. And the opportunities are huge. You can start earning well right out of high school.”

Cole Erickson of Check Point Software Technologies works with an Alleghany Highlands Public Schools student during Tuesday’s visit to the “Pink Bus,” a mobile cybersecurity lab created by Teneo Group. The bus stopped at Alleghany High School and Covington Middle School to give students hands-on experience exploring cybersecurity careers and technology. (AHPS Photo)

Warnagiris said the idea for the Pink Bus started with a customer in South Carolina and has since grown into a national effort. He noted that the rise of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic has expanded access to cybersecurity careers.

The bus began its Mid-Atlantic tour in September, launching in South Carolina. “Our goal is simple,” Warnagiris said. “Find kids with the aptitude and show them how to get started. The sooner you start, the better.”

The visit to AHPS was coordinated by Dr. Shannon Fuhrman, the division’s director of technology and accountability. The event aligned with the division’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) focus and allowed live, hands-on demonstrations.

CTE offers classes and programs that help students learn real-world skills they can use in a job or career. AHPS’ goal is to help students figure out what they want to do after high school and give them a head start, whether that means going to college, learning a trade, or starting a career right away.

High school students in grades 10-12 can also take advantage of the new MG-Tec Academy at Mountain Gateway Community College, a partnership with AHPS and other school divisions that equips students with IT skills, mentorship, and resources for the growing technology industry.