Two students from the middle school are receiving statewide recognition for a major accomplishment in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Andrew Appleman and Priya Riegle are this year's winners of the Congressional App Challenge for NY-19.
Congressman Marc Molinaro made the selection.
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that allows students to create and code their own applications relating to the world of STEM education. They're tasked with using technology to address real world challenges.
Andrew and Priya created an environmental-friendly app that helps bring communities together for a greater cause.
"It connects them so people that want to help the environment can be around other people that want to help the environment, and they can make a bigger impact," said Priya Riegle, Maine-Endwell Middle School student.
The team's app will be displayed in the U.S. Capital Building for an entire year, and also featured on House.gov. A formal certificate acknowledging their victory is on its way. Andrew and Priya will also be invited to attend the House of Code, located in the U.S. Capital, in April. Congressman Molinaro has called the duo to personally congratulate them.
The Congressional App Challenge witnessed a historic level of engagement this year, with 382 members of Congress participating. More than 12,000 middle and high school students from every state stepped up to showcase their technical skills.
NY-19 is one of the largest districts in the U.S., stretching from Ithaca to the Massachusetts border. Andrew and Priya's app was chosen over hundreds of schools across the state.
"It was amazing. I was in science 9th period, just about to leave, and I was very happy because we put a lot of time into this," said Andrew Appleman, Maine-Endwell Middle School student.
"I think it's really cool. I got a text saying we won, and I couldn't believe it," said Riegle.
An accomplishment of this magnitude underscores the great work of our educators in relation to the everchanging world of technology. We are so proud of these two bright students for helping represent Spartan Country on a nationwide level.
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