Kaptur Announces Winner of Annual Student Congressional App Challenge
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) released the following statement announcing Alonso Pacheco of St. Francis De Sales School in Toledo as the winner of the Ohio 9th Congressional District’s third annual student Congressional App Challenge.
The annual student Congressional App Challenge (CAC) – sponsored by the House – is a competition designed to increase middle and high school students’ appreciation of computer science and STEM disciplines. Each year, CAC allows students in every Congressional district to compete with their peers by creating and exhibiting software apps.
After a thorough review of apps submitted by students from across Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, a panel of judges nominated by Rep. Kaptur selected Alonso Pacheco, a sophomore at St. Francis De Sales, as the winner of this year’s competition. Alonso’s app, RX Buddy, allows users to keep track of their prescription medications, and reminds them when they need to be taken. Alonso was supported in his submission by his teacher, Mike Blochowski.
“Alonso’s RX Buddy is a wonderful tool that can help everyone from young adults to seniors better manage their prescription medications,” said Rep. Kaptur. “The next generation of America’s technological leaders are growing and learning right here in Ohio. Developing these vital skillsets is a top priority – and the Congressional App Challenge provides a unique opportunity to inspire our students’ passions and imaginations.”
This year’s judges were computer science professionals and scholars from across the district, including Max Herzog from the Cleveland Water Alliance, Dr. Kevin Xu from the University of Toledo, and Michael Zellers and Kelly Zelesnik from Lorain County Community College.
CAC winners from across the country will participate in a reception hosted in Washington, D.C, and their apps will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building throughout 2022.
More information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found here.
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For more information, contact Chris Dalton at chris.dalton@mail.house.gov or (202) 897-7438.