WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced the winners of the Fourth Annual Fifth District Congressional App Challenge.
Ian Barnes of Gwynn Park High School won first place with his app, “Break Ball.” Ian’s app is a strategy brick breaking game. Destini Brown of Gwynn Park High School won second place with her app, “How Are You Feeling?” Her app was designed to help autistic children address their emotions. Afe Addeh of Eleanor Roosevelt High School won third place with her app, “Career Finder.” Her app helps high school students identify which career might be most suitable for them.
“This year’s submissions for the fourth annual App Challenge were extremely impressive, and I congratulate all students who participated,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I’m pleased to announce the winners from Maryland’s Fifth District – Ian, Destini, and Afe. These students put a lot of time and energy into creating their apps, and I applaud them for their hard work and creativity. The skills they’ve learned and used in this competition will serve them well in their future endeavors.”
The Congressional App Challenge, established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, is a nationwide event that invites students from all participating Congressional districts to compete, either individually or in a group of up to four, by creating and presenting an original software application, or “app,” for a mobile, tablet, or computer platform of their choice. The contest, modeled off the long-successful Congressional Art Competition, is designed to promote innovation and engagement in the STEM education fields. High school students who live in or are eligible to attend public schools located in Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District were invited to join the Fifth District App Challenge, and the winning app will be placed on display in the U.S. Capitol alongside winners from across the country.