Birmingham, AL – U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) is thrilled to announce Jada Wells, Alexis Perry and Ashton Young (all from RB Hudson Middle School), as this year’s winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The annual challenge is open to middle and high school registrants throughout Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District, and is meant to encourage engagement in computer science and STEM programs.

“Every year, I look forward to seeing what innovative new coding creations our applicants will submit, and this year was no disappointment,” said Rep. Sewell. “As a proud product of the Selma City Schools, I am excited that for the second year in a row, our district winner is a Selma City Student—it is a testament to the priority that the Selma system is putting on STEM. I especially want to recognize and thank seventh grade science teacher and Robotics Club leader, Ms. Sherry Jackson, whose guidance has been instrumental in encouraging our R.B. Hudson Middle School applicants. Jada Wells, Alexis Perry and Ashton Young have all created practical, well-designed apps, using technology to address tangible needs in their daily lives. This is technology and creativity at its best, and I hope that every contestant inspired to continue to develop these practical skills, which will doubtless serve them in the years to come.”

In first place, Jada Wells’ Bulldog Alert was built to aid substitute teachers with emergency procedures. The app was written in block code and can be viewed here.

In second place, Alexis Perry’s Classroom 101 was created to assist elementary school teachers by finding worksheets, books and websites for a variety of subjects. The app was written in block code and can be viewed here. Alexis Perry was last year’s first place winner and attended #HouseofCode in Washington, D.C.

In third place, Ashton Young’s Selma Tours helps tourists find their way around the historic city of Selma, Alabama, a prominent landmark in the civil rights movement. The app was written in block code and can be viewed here. 

First place winner Jada Wells will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., and her app Bulldog Alert will be eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website.