Lowell students win Congressional App Challenge

A team of three Lowell High School students were recently named winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Indiana's First Congressional District.

Dilylah Johnson, Gabriella Holt and Logan Haskins were recognized for their winning application "Feline Frenzy", according to statement from the office of U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.

The application is a game in which players help a stray cat named Whiskers jump over trash cans in order to collect point. The game is meant to raise awareness about animal shelters and encourage people to adopt pets.

"I've always had a passion for art, animals and game design," Holt said. "This is something I've always dreamed of."

"My family adopted our pets from animal shelters and it is important to bring attention to these animals," said Haskins, who was responsible for composing the game's music and coding.

Tri-Creek School Corp. officials gave praise of the students for their 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," said Lowell High School Principal Tammy Daugherty.

"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," said Superintendent Andy Anderson. "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.”

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide academic competition for middle school and high school students to create an original app or computer program, with one winning project being selected from each congressional district.

This year, 175 students across Indiana's First Congressional District participated in the competition, according to Mrvan's office.

"Feline Frenzy" will be part of a rotating display in the U.S. Capitol and will be featured on the House.gov website for the next year.