Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. The announcement was made at a virtual ceremony held Wednesday night during which Rep. Sewell joined participants to celebrate the 11 entries submitted by talented students from across the 7th District. Danielle George, Aanchal Behara, Audrey Guo, and Sophia Guo of the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham were awarded first place by a panel of expert judges for their app “Methodic.” The app helps students study effectively by recommending techniques tailored to an individual’s needs.

“As our economy continues to evolve with the advancement of new technologies, it is critically important that we prepare the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Rep. Sewell. “The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity to help our students hone their computer science and coding skills which are among the fastest growing fields in the nation!"

“Once again, I was completely blown away by the thoughtfulness that our students displayed,” continued Sewell. “Congratulations to our first place winners Danielle, Aanchal, Audrey, and Sophia on a job well done. I am so proud of these creative and intelligent young women and all the talented students who participated!”

Winners are invited to attend the House of Code Reception on Capitol Hill on April 10th and 11th, 2024, and their app is now eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

The runners-up are as follows:

• Second Place:
• Student(s): Shareiph Robinson, Ronald Wilson, Daniel Dominguez, Kewahn Lewis
• School: George W. Carver High School in Birmingham
• App Name: Nexism
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEC_CODUmb4 

• Third Place (Tie): 
• Student(s): Michael Mazur
• School: Alabama School of Fine Arts
• App Name: Noted 4 Life
• Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiAj0NdXkV4

• Third Place (Tie): 
• Student(s): Radhika Pant, Ananya Mohanraj, Cynthia Liu and Ashu Anand 
• School: Alabama School of Fine Arts
• App Name: Kichin
• Video: https://youtu.be/pwDaNdT1uSI

Recognizing the power of STEM and computer science to foster economic growth and innovation, Congress created the Congressional App Challenge in 2015 to encourage students to pursue these critical skills and recognize them for their efforts.

More information is available at www.congressionalappchallenge.us/.