REP. MILLS ANNOUNCES 2023 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER IN FLORIDA’S SEVENTH
For Immediate Release: December 7, 2023
Media Contact: MillsPress@mail.house.gov
Altamonte Springs, FL – Today, Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07) announced Clayton Seymour from Lake Brantley High School as the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s Seventh Congressional District. Clayton’s app was centered on multiplication and combined his experiences with other computer games into one mathematical challenge.
Each year, the U.S. House’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) hosts district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students aimed at inspiring, engaging, and encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Since its inception in 2015, the Challenge has grown to become the largest student computer science competition in the United States.
This year, Florida’s Seventh Congressional District received 207 submissions from Seminole and Volusia Counties, breaking the CAO’s record of participants for the App Challenge from a single district!
“I want to offer my congratulations to Clayton Seymour from Lake Brantley High School, home of the Patriots, for winning the 2023 Congressional App Challenge in Florida’s Seventh Congressional District, said Rep. Mills. “I’d also like to extend my congratulations to the second-place winner, Prisha Narne, and third-place winner, Scott Smoak for their innovative apps. It’s an honor to be a part of the district with the most submissions in App Challenge history! It’s truly remarkable to see the creative, inventive minds of our students here in Central Florida and I hope this annual competition encourages middle and high school students to further explore coding and STEM education in their future studies and careers.”
“When given instructions, I don’t do exactly what we are told to do. I take the instructions and make it something I like to do,” said first-place winner, Clayton Seymour. He acknowledged that the key to his success was having an innovative mindset. His Computer Science teacher, Mr. Seth Reichelson, was instrumental in motivating his students by aligning his curriculum to the individual student’s interests and strengths.
Joseph Alessi, the Program’s National Director, said, "The overwhelming participation from Members of the House of Representatives demonstrates a collective commitment to fostering technological innovation and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. The exponential increase in student engagement highlights the Congressional App Challenge's growing influence as a beacon for young minds interested in computer science. It's evident that students are not only embracing the Challenge as a competition but also as a platform to express their passion for technology and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation."
Read more about the App Challenge here. Start your planning for the 2024 App Challenge, beginning in August! Reach out to the Lake Mary or Port Orange office for more details.
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