Four High Technology High School students were congratulated for winning the 6th District’s 2017 Congressional App Challenge by Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-Monmouth, Middlesex) during a ceremony that was recently held at the school in Lincroft.
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education by encouraging high school students to learn how to code through the creation of their own apps, according to a prepared statement from the office of Pallone.
High Technology students Steven Vorona, Rishi Salwi, Kyle Liu, and Charvi Shah won for their app “EmergenServe.”
“The Congressional App Challenge is a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate their technical and creative skills,” Pallone said during the ceremony that was held on Jan. 8. “I congratulate Steven, Rishi, Kyle, and Charvi for their winning app and thank all of this year’s participants for their excellent work. It’s especially inspiring to see young people put their talents towards an app that will make a real difference in the lives of people and I applaud their compassion and creativity.”
The app is designed to connect victims with first responders by providing detailed information on the type of emergency and location, according to a prepared statement.
Entries to the competition in New Jersey’s 6th District were assessed by a panel of local experts on several criteria, including the demonstrated knowledge of coding and programming skills, as well as the quality and implementation of their ideas, according to a prepared statement.
As a winning app in the contest, “EmergenServe” will be displayed on the Congressional App Challenge website and on a digital display in the State Capitol Building for the next year, according to a statement from Pallone’s office.
“As the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have seen how innovative technology is creating new industries and opportunities for countless Americans,” Pallone said in a prepared statement. “We must continue to make investments in STEM education in New Jersey to ensure the next generation has the skills and tools needed to keep the United States as the world’s top innovator for years to come.”
For more information about the Congressional App Challenge visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us/about/.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].