Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District. The announcement was made at a virtual ceremony Wednesday night. Rep. Sewell joined participants to celebrate the six entries submitted by talented students from across the 7^th District.

Anna Mrug, Meihua Qu, Saisha Sahoo, and Sophie Zou of the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham were awarded first place for their app “Core.” The app helps people with chronic illnesses track and manage their pain levels.

“The talent of our students never ceases to amaze and inspire me,” said Rep. Sewell. “I want to thank each of our participants, all of whom demonstrated exceptional thoughtfulness and creativity. I am especially proud of our first-place winners, Anna, Meihua, Saisha, and Sophie. I know that their skills will serve them well for years to come. It is my hope that through competitions like this, we can continue to encourage our young people to pursue careers in STEM."

Winners are invited to attend the #HouseOfCode Reception on Capitol Hill which will take place April 8-9, 2025.

The runners-up are as follows:

• Second Place:
• Student(s): Akhil Batchu, Raymond Liu
• School: Alabama School of Fine Arts
• App Name: Engage Now
• Video: https://youtu.be/K-PInlxoG-8?si=fzYmiluNVaryrUWe 

• Third Place: 
• Student(s): Audrey Guo, Jaiden Lee
• School: Alabama School of Fine Arts
• App Name: ForesTree
• Video: https://youtu.be/zKC1N3Lp-Og?si=a1C6EQJDsVjfCdSm 

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/.