Mrvan Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winner from Morton High School

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced Josue Pedraza of Morton High School is the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Indiana’s First Congressional District.  Josue used JavaScript to create his winning application, “RoboticsMuse.”  The application is an educational hub with resources and interactive lessons for students to learn more about robotics and find a community of peers who are also interested in STEM.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “I thank all students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge for your innovative submissions.  Congratulations to Josue from Morton High School on this remarkable achievement and thank you for your initiative to help students learn more about robotics.  Thank you to all of the parents, mentors, and educators for encouraging students throughout Northwest Indiana to engage with STEM and put their creativity to the test.” 

Josue Pedraza stated, “I didn’t get into this thinking I was going to win at all, and honestly I’m still kind of in shock about it.  But the lesson I learned in this challenge is that you should always put 110% of your effort and being into your work, and everything will work itself out.”

Andrea Spencer, Teacher at Morton High School, stated, “Josue is an incredibly creative innovator who sets a great example for students across our community.  His imagination and willingness to explore demonstrate a bright and promising future.  It is truly a pleasure to have him as a student!”

Christine Kibler-Wheeler, Principal of Morton High School, stated, “We are so excited to hear about Josue being awarded the Congressional App Challenge Winner.  Josue's accomplishment with RoboticsMuse is a powerful demonstration of what happens when student leadership meets technical talent.  As both a stellar Morton High School Governor and a key member of the School City of Hammond’s Robotics team, he embodies the future of innovation.  We are profoundly proud of his ingenuity!”

Anthony Salinas, Acting Superintendent of the School City of Hammond, stated, “Josue’s accomplishment is an extraordinary example of what is possible when curiosity, and perseverance come together.  We are incredibly proud to see a Morton High School student earn this prestigious recognition and represent the School City of Hammond on a national stage.  RoboticsMuse reflects not only Josue’s talent, but also his desire to inspire and uplift other students who share an interest in STEM.  I extend my sincere congratulations to Josue, his family, and his teachers for fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.  This achievement is a shining reminder of the remarkable potential within our schools and our community.”

Greg Karas, STEM Educator at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana and Judge of the Congressional App Challenge, stated, “It is a distinct privilege for the Challenger Learning Center to be involved in the evaluation of these projects.  The kids who are willing to seriously tackle a task of this nature are going to be the engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders of tomorrow.  The professionalism and thoughtful design which went into winning submission was most impressive.  That young person certainly has a bright future ahead of him, because he is not afraid to work hard to fully realize a vision.”

A demonstration video of the “RoboticsMuse” app can be viewed here.  “RoboticsMuse” 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.  

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.

###