Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced Dilylah Johnson, Gabriella Holt, and Logan Haskins of Lowell High School are the winning team of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Indiana’s First Congressional District. Dilylah, Gabriella, and Logan used Block Code to create their winning application, “Feline Frenzy.” Their application is a game designed to raise awareness about animal shelters and inspire people to adopt pets where players help a stray cat named Whiskers jump over trash cans to collect points.
Congressman Mrvan stated, “Thank you to all of the students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year! Congratulations to Dilylah, Gabriella, and Logan from Lowell High School on this remarkable achievement and for your efforts to raise awareness about the issues that matter most to you. I thank all of the educators and schools across our region for your dedication to STEM education and your efforts to foster innovation and creativity in our students.”
Dilylah Johnson stated, “When you're lost in the darkness look for the light. My inspiration was mainly from Gabriella, who's super passionate about ending animal abuse and she's super loving towards animals, so I guess she gave that to me. I was in it to win it and was excited about making a game, but I wanted to make sure it was for a good cause.”
Gabriella Holt stated, “I've always had a passion for art, animals, and game design, so I guess the pieces just fell into place. This is something I've always dreamed of."
Logan Haskins stated, “One group member pitched the idea and we all jumped on board. My family adopted our pets from animal shelters and it is important to bring attention to these animals, so I wanted to be part of this message. I composed all of the music and did most of the coding. It was such a fun experience and I can’t wait to see what we do next!”
Eric Stoelb, Computer Science Teacher at Lowell Middle School, stated, “The Congressional App Challenge is such an amazing opportunity for students to challenge themselves to collaborate and build something completely original. The students look forward to the challenge every year and learn so much from the experience. I am so proud of Logan, Ella, and Dilylah. They worked tirelessly on their app, from design to development, and I am so happy that they are getting the recognition they deserve.”
Tammy Daugherty, Principal of Lowell High School, stated, “I am incredibly proud of Logan, Gabriella, and Dilylah for their outstanding accomplishment. Their hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit have not only generated this original app, but have also demonstrated the power of education and the boundless potential of our youth. This achievement is a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment of our students, and it reflects the supportive and nurturing environment we strive to create in Tri-Creek Schools.”
Andy Anderson, Superintendent of Tri-Creek School Corporation, stated, “We are very proud of Gabriella, Dilylah, and Logan. The hard work of these kids, along with the support, guidance, and inspiration of their parents and teachers, is what makes the Lowell community a very special place. Tri-Creek Schools endeavors to be a recognized leader for high achievement and exceptional growth, and our students are fulfilling the vision. Thank you to all of the people who made the Indiana District 1 Congressional App Challenge possible. It's nice to be able to celebrate the good work of public education and iterate the importance of the teaching profession and the positive impact on our youth.”
Valerie Hunter, Lead STEM Educator at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana and Judge of the Congressional App Challenge stated, “The Congressional App Challenge is a fantastic way to highlight STEM engagement with our youth, and it was a rewarding experience seeing all of the incredible talent in the submissions. I thank Congressman Frank Mrvan for including the Challenger Learning Center in this project. Feline Frenzy definitely stood out among all of the entries for its attention to detail, style, creativity, and overall message. The creators’ hard work and passion shone throughout. I would like to personally congratulate Gabriella, Logan, and Dilylah for their amazing work."
A demonstration video of the “Feline Frenzy” app can be viewed here. “Feline Frenzy” will be part of a rotating display in the U.S. Capitol. The app will also be featured on the House.gov website for one year, and the Congressional App Challenge will also highlight the app on its website.
175 students across Indiana’s First Congressional District participated in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide academic competition for Middle School (6th – 8th grades) and High School (9th – 12th grades) students to create and exhibit their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.
To learn more about the Congressional App Challenge, click here.