STEAM Academy students place first, second in Congressional App Challenge

Above image: Brendon Young. Below image, left to right: Anyiah Hatcher, Arielle Griffin, and Caitlyn Hymes. 

An eighth grade student at R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy placed first in the 2021 Congressional App Challenge announced by Rep. Terri Sewell, with several others from the academy placing second. 

“The talent of our students never ceases to amaze and inspire me,” Sewell said in a press release. “Once again, the innovative apps submitted to my office harness the power of coding to find practical solutions to the problems we face as a society."

The first place winner, Brendon Young, created "Disaster Survival Tips" which provides instructional videos to surviving natural disasters such as heavy rain, flooding, and tornadoes. 

“To be honest, I didn't really expect to win,” Brendon commented in the press release. “I just really like to make games. It isn't really much of a challenge to make these things because I like to code a lot. Maybe, it's just one step forward towards success.”

Click here for a demonstration. 

Young's app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and he will be featured on www.congressionalappchallenge.us.

Seventh graders Aniyah Hatcher, Arrielle Griffin, and Caitlyn Hymes placed second for "Skool Foodies," an app that "lets students choose from food options at school with the goal of cutting down on food waste."

Click here for a demonstration. 

In third place was Jaceleb Smith and Tylor Brannon, who created “The Study App”. They are ninth graders at Center Point High School.

The challenge is an annual event open to middle and high school students in the seventh congressional district in Alabama and aims to foster interest in computer science, coding, and STEM programs.

"I want to extend my sincerest congratulations to our 2021 winners whose creations demonstrate all that can be achieved when we meet creativity with technology," Sewell said in her announcement. 

"I know that their skills will serve them well for years to come, and it is my hope that through competitions like this, we can continue to encourage our young people to pursue careers in STEM."

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