House App Challenge

2014 marked the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, the “House App Challenge.”  This new competition is designed to engage student’s creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields.  Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition was a nationwide event that allowed high school students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.  Throughout the completion period, participating students were provided opportunities to engage with various STEM educational partners located within the community to mentor and assist them with their app development.  

The  2013 “House App Challenge” was open to all high school students in the 10th Congressional District. 

On May 28, 2013, U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) announced that the winners of the 2014 House App Challenge are Amanda Fulghum, Brendan Mantey, Davanna White, and Krista Wylin from the Macomb Academy of Arts & Sciences in Armada, MI for their app, “Bakround Noise.”

Rep. Miller with App Competition Winners
(from left: Davanna White, Krista Wylin, Rep. Miller, Amanda Fulghum, and Brendan Mantey)

“I want to congratulate the talented students from the Macomb Academy of Arts and Sciences for winning this year’s app challenge.” Miller said after meeting with the 2014 winners. “Their proven ability to compete within the STEM fields will serve them well in their future endeavors.  I also commend their teachers and mentors for their encouragement.  STEM research and innovation is a major skill set driving today’s global economy, and it is extremely important that we equip our youth with the skills they need to succeed.”
 

Teacher:
Christina Vrzovski,  Macomb Academy of Arts & Sciences

Technical Advisor:
Jesse Vollmar, Founder FarmLogs

Submissions to the 2014 Congressional STEM Competition were judged by:
Dennis Buckmaster, St. Clair County RESA Information Technology, Chief Operating Officer
Mike Rutallie, St. Clair County RESA, Network Engineer
James Wasiloff, Director, Continuous Process Improvement, TACOM LCMC Strategic Planning and Transformation, United States Army
Denice Gerstenberg, Women in Defense – STEM Director, City Development Manager – City of Sterling Heights
Kevin Lasser, JEMS Technology – CEO