3 Oswego East Students Win 14th District Congressional App Challenge

OSWEGO, IL — Three Oswego East High School students are headed to Washington, D.C. after winning Congressional App Challenge in the 14th District.

It's the second year in a row Oswego East students won the nationwide challenge sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 2022, a total of 9,011 students registered for this year's competition, creating 2,707 fully functioning apps for 335 members of Congress. This year's numbers "smashed" previous participation records, officials said.

As part of the challenge, each district holds a competition for middle and high school students from their area. It's meant to encourage teens to learn to code and pursue careers in computer science, according to a news release from Oswego School District 308.

In Oswego, junior Jensen Coonradt, senior Anshul Puri and junior Olivia Schwab won the challenge. Theresa Komitas, the district's director of communications and public relations, said their "STEM talents are inspiring students across the district."

"We are extremely proud of these students' accomplishments, achievements, and creativity," John Sparlin, superintendent of schools, said in a statement. "Their work on this app could be a huge help to area animal shelters."

The students won a trip to Washington, D.C. to showcase their app to Congress. Their app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol along with the apps from winners across the country.