NE Florida News

U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in Northeast Florida. The winning team from Stanton College Preparatory School consists of Sai Tejasvi Vegi, Annabel Kaye, Owen Bayley, and Dorothy Peterson. Their app, "CLICK," is designed to help users manage their social media time by redirecting them to more productive activities based on personal interests and needs.

Congressman Bean praised the students' efforts: “I’m excited to announce that Sai, Annabel, Owen, and Dorothy—students at Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville—are the winners of this year’s Congressional App Challenge! Their innovative thinking, creativity, and teamwork illustrate the bright future of technology in Northeast Florida. I’m proud of their hard work, and want them to keep coding and dreaming big.”

The development of "CLICK" was inspired by concerns over social media's impact on young adults aged 13-17. Issues such as body image problems, cyberbullying, sleep difficulties, and emotional withdrawal have been linked to increased social media usage among this age group. The app was created using Android Studio with initial drafts in HTML and CSS on Replit. Surveys conducted among peers helped determine its potential effectiveness.

The CAC emphasizes the significance of STEM education by encouraging students to develop their coding skills through practical applications like this competition. Middle and high school students from Florida's Fourth District are eligible for participation.

The winning app will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured online via the House of Representatives' website. The students will also attend a reception on Capitol Hill to celebrate their achievement.