Rep. Scott's App Challenge honors NNPS student inventions
Posted: January 27, 2025
Newport News Public Schools students were honored at U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott's Congressional App Challenge reception on January 25 at the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center.
The team of Heritage High School twelfth grader Essence Claiborne and tenth grader Tamiah Gantt was awarded third place in the competition for their app, Yoni Kit. The app was developed at Heritage's Brand CAMP, which was founded by Heritage marketing teacher Dr. Carrington Faulk.
The Yoni Kit app is designed to empower young women and provides essential resources on self-care, hygiene, personal health and access to affordable products, which makes it perfectly tailored for those transitioning to college life for the first time, according to Faulk. The app reflects the students' commitment to innovation, creativity and social impact.
"This achievement demonstrates the incredible potential of our students when given the opportunity to combine creativity with real-world problem-solving," Faulk said. "The Yoni Kit app not only addresses an important issue, but also shows how diverse perspectives can drive innovation to meet the needs of underserved communities."
Scott was in attendance to honor the work of students who participated in the 2024 3rd Congressional District App Challenge, to celebrate with the students and announce the winners.
Two teams from An Achievable Dream Middle and High School consisting of ninth graders Zalia Ellis and C'Nie Richardson and another comprised of tenth graders Tasia Eason, Amari Gatling, Kal-El McMillan and Gabriel Jordan, as well Woodside High School represented by tenth grader April Lin, also submitted entries for the competition.
The Congressional App Challenge is a prestigious prize in student computer science. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives host district-wide Congressional App Challenges for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science.
