Rep. Kelly honors Knoch High School students for winning 2023 Congressional App Challenge

BUTLER, Pa. -- On Friday, December 8, 2023, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) held an awards ceremony for local students who won the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition meant to inspire, include, and innovate efforts about STEM, coding, and computer science education. Kelly held the awards ceremony at his Butler District Office. In all, 26 students participated in this year's competition.

"I'm so proud to see all of the success from our local students. We have so many talented young people across our district," Rep. Kelly said. "The importance of STEM, coding, and computer science education cannot be understated. The Congressional APP Challenge goes beyond coding and technology -- it's a platform for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork among our youth. Congratulations to this year's winners, and thank you to everyone who made this wonderful event possible!"

Additionally, Rep. Kelly's office presented a commendation to Ms. Laura Gaston, an educator from Knoch High School, for her outstanding leadership over the past five years during the Congressional App Challenge.

You can read more about the competition here.

Below are the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District:

1st Place:
Project: "The Funny"
Team: Quinlin Howison & Elijah Seybert
School: Knoch High School
 
2nd Place:
Project: "Homeworker"
Team: Gavin Danehy, Daniel Bogacz, Kaidyn Curran
School: Knoch High School

3rd Place (tie):
Project: "Frogs on a Pond"
Team: Abby Markiewicz & Talon Smith
School: Knoch High School

3rd Place (tie):
Project: "Help the Fish Escape!"
Team: Elliot McMeekin & Tristen Janoski
School: Knoch High School