Oconee high school students finish 1st and 2nd in Congressional App Challenge

Anyi Lin, Viveka Mehrotra, and Jack Rumpf of North Oconee High

Students from North Oconee and Oconee County high schools placed first and second, respectively, in the Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s 10th District, according to an announcement by Rep. Mike Collins.

The Congressional App Challenge was created by Congress in 2013 to encourage innovation and engagement in coding, computer science, and STEM education. 

Xavier Werth of Oconee County High

North Oconee’s Anyi Lin, Jack Rumpf, and Viveka Mehrotra came in first with their project “Civical.” Oconee County’s Xavier Werth was the runner-up with “MyWatkinsville.”

As the district winner, “Team Civical” will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website, displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit, and invited to attend the 2024 House of Code in Washington, D.C.

Lin, Rumpf, and Mehrotra designed a game-based app to help young people develop and practice the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors needed to participate in civic life.

“I am proud to congratulate Anyi, Jack, and Viveka for their exceptional application,” Collins said. “I applaud them for practicing responsible coding and using their skills to develop an app that will help enhance students' knowledge of the workings of the federal government in a fun, accessible way.”

Werth’s project celebrates the culture and history of Watkinsville. His presentation can be found here.

“I congratulate all the students who took part in the Congressional App Challenge,” Collins said. “This year, students submitted apps that address today’s significant issues, including nutrition, mental health, veterans’ resources, and educational opportunities. It’s always a pleasure to see what talented young people we have in the 10th Congressional District.”