06/30/2020
Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, Education Commissioner Cardona Highlight Entries to the Lt. Governor's COVID-19 Computing Challenge During Virtual Showcase
Students submit ideas for socially conscious apps that address effects of pandemic
(Hartford, CT) — After receiving 372 entries for the Lt. Governor’s COVID-19 Computing Challenge, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Sibongile Magubane, South Windsor CTE Curriculum Specialist Steven Albrecht, and members of the Council on Women and Girls Education & STEAM Subcommittee and Steering Committee today showcased 10 entries from students that have the power to create positive change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched in May, the Lt. Governor’s COVID-19 Computing Challenge: A Statewide Challenge to Address Global Concern, invited Connecticut students in grades 3 through 12 to work individually or as a team to propose an idea for a new computing technology application. Students were tasked with generating creative solutions to address the numerous effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on society.
“Connecticut students have the power to make real change. As we launched this challenge, we asked our students to use this period of distance learning to develop innovative programs to help their communities during their time of need. Throughout this challenge, our students stepped up and exceeded our expectations. From designing technology applications that better inform Connecticut residents, to programs that will help aid local communities, our students have shown that they have the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I couldn’t be prouder of what our students have accomplished,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz.
“We continually strive to offer students unique, engaging and relevant learning opportunities that allow them to gain the experience needed to compete for the high-tech, high-skill, and high-wage careers of the 21st Century economy while making a difference in their communities and helping to position our state to lead the nation. The Lt. Governor’s Coding Challenge is one example of many driving our ongoing efforts to design and evolve college and career pathways to do just that,” said Commissioner Cardona. “The ingenuity of the solutions submitted through the Coding Challenge shows that when we effectively engage the people we serve - our students – and give them a platform to amplify their voice they exceed expectations time and again. Our students embraced this as a chance to demonstrate the sort of innovation and citizenship that makes us proud and gives us hope for the future. Congratulations to all!”
Through the computing challenge, students were encouraged to use the period of social distancing to identify ways to improve their communities.
The COVID-19 Computing Challenge provided students with the opportunity to:
- Gain exposure to uses of computer technology;
- Develop interest in computer technology;
- Be creative in utilizing computer technology;
- Learn how to collaborate virtually; and
- Apply computational thinking skills.
During a virtual showcase today, the Council on Women and Girls Education & STEAM Subcommittee and Steering Committee recognized the entries that received the highest number of votes in each category.
Submissions selected by a committee from members of the Council on Women and Girls Education & STEAM Subcommittee and Steering Committee were highlighted today in an effort to show a range of ideas from students in grades 3 through 12.
Today’s showcase highlighted entries from the following students and schools:
Third grade:
Anwesha Das,
Windermere Elementary School
Fourth grade:
Kashish Koul,
Windermere Elementary School Community
Fifth grade:
Cecilia Dresser, Adeline Curylo, Aaron Michelsen, and Erik Edstrom,
Orchard Hill Elementary School
Sixth grade:
Corey Jones Jr.,
The Engineering and Science University Magnet School
Seventh grade:
Lila Gow,
Cloonan Middle School
Eighth grade:
Devin Hazelton,
Timothy Edwards Middle School
Ninth grade:
Isabella Tuccio,
Ridgefield High School
Tenth grade:
Vincent Cai,
Cheshire High School
Eleventh grade:
Erin Mutchek,
South Windsor High School
Twelfth Grade:
Melissa Woo,
Greenwich High School
Students from across the state also cast their vote for their favorite mobile app, website and computer program they believed would defeat the spread of the disease; aid local or global communities; and encourage or inform others.
Fan favorites selected by students statewide are:
Third grade:
Gia Lloyd, Neelav Sengupta, Anuhya Choudam, and Tanishka Joshi,
Stamford Charter School for Excellence
Fourth grade:
Kashish Koul,
Windermere Elementary School
Fifth grade:
Jack Silva,
Shelter Rock School
Sixth grade:
Gretchen Goodrich-Gelarden and Alesha Chederquist,
Leonard J. Tyl Middle School
Seventh grade:
Jonathan Stekloff and Isaiah Turnipseed,
Roger Ludlowe Middle School
Eighth grade:
Jack Brehler,
Leonard J. Tyl Middle School
Ninth grade:
Rifat Tarafder,
Academy of Science and Innovation
Tenth grade:
Sufyan Saeed,
South Windsor High School
Eleventh grade:
ShamreethaaSeeniraj,
Miss Porter’s School
Twelfth grade:
Jaya Hari and Dheepa Hari,
Avon High School
The computing challenge was inspired by the work of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls Education and STEAM Subcommittee in partnership with its Steering Committee community partners.
A recording of today’s showcase is available on the computing challenge website here.
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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Contact: Samantha Norton
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