Certiport Crowns 2025 Adobe Certified Professional National Champions in Texas

Certiport Announces National Champions for 2025 Adobe Competition

In a thrilling culmination of creativity and skill, Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, has named its winners for the 2025 Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship. Held from June 16-18 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, this event showcased the design talents of young professionals eager to make their mark in the world of digital design.

The Competition and Its Participants

Students aged 13 to 22 from across the United States participated by first earning their Adobe Certified Professional certifications in either Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. This year, the competition saw 41 talented individuals selected to demonstrate their creativity and innovation under pressure.

The finalists were given just eight hours to craft marketing materials that would support a joint initiative between QB United and the Cook Center for Human Connection, both dedicated organizations focused on mental health advocacy. The designs created in this limited timeframe aimed to promote vital emotional wellness resources to families and communities nationwide.

Champions of the Event

The champions of the Adobe competition were:
1. Callum Rettig from Ohio
2. Phoenix Leifer from Georgia
3. Norah Dunyach from California
4. Likha Belenytska from Massachusetts
5. Hannah Forbes from Florida
6. Raquel Rengifo from Florida
7. Radha Falgun Mehta from Georgia
8. Carolyn Urelius from Texas
9. Makenzie Grey from Oklahoma
10. Addison Lane from North Carolina

Purpose Driven Design

Mark Welling, Chief Strategy Officer at the Cook Center for Human Connection, expressed excitement about the collaboration. He emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns and breaking the stigma surrounding emotional wellness. The designs created by the competitors not only served as a display of creativity but were also aimed at raising awareness and providing necessary resources.

Jeff Hostetler, founder of QB United and a former NFL superstar, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the collaboration could drive significant changes at the local level to support individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Hostetler's insights highlight the critical intersection of sports, mental health advocacy, and design, showcasing how creative minds can contribute to greater societal issues.

The Path Ahead

As a testament to their talent and dedication, the top three finalists from this national championship will advance to the prestigious Certiport's Adobe Certified Professional World Championship, scheduled from July 27-30 in Orlando, Florida. There, they will compete with finalists from over 30 countries, demonstrating their proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud software on a global stage.

Dr. Gary Gates, Managing Director at Pearson VUE, praised the remarkable achievements of all participating students. He noted that through this competition, participants can showcase their skills while working under pressure—traits essential for successful careers in design-related industries.

Liana Maharaj, Adobe's Head of Student Learning and Certification, highlighted how competitions such as this foster an environment where students can gain confidence, experience, and skills crucial for their future. She affirmed Adobe's commitment to nurturing the creative potential of young designers, paving the way for the next generation of innovators.

With these exciting developments, Certiport is not just recognizing accomplished students but is also fostering a community focused on creating real-world impact through design and technology. The partnership with QB United and the Cook Center for Human Connection reveals a commitment to not just skills development but also to the pursuit of meaningful solutions in the realm of mental health awareness.

For students and educators alike, the Certiport Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of creativity and collaboration in making a difference—even from young minds still in the early stages of their careers.

To learn more about Certiport and its initiatives, visit Certiport's official website and see how these young champions are redefining the future of design.