Congresswoman Susan Brooks made a visit to Fishers High School Feb. 9 to surprise FHS student Grayson Faircloth and announce him as the winner of the Congressional App Challenge for Indiana’s 5th District.
The challenge was a Congressional initiative to improve student engagement in coding and computer science. Faircloth’s app, FHS Genius, is a social networking and messaging program for Fishers High School students to post homework assignments, math equations or other questions they’re having trouble with while fellow students and teachers can offer tutoring and advice.
“I created this so that people could conveniently get help if they’re having problems with understanding something,” Faircloth said in the YouTube video he made presenting the app. “Another application I saw for this app was a certain number of questions answered could be exchanged for tutoring hours with the NHS program… I think it provides a quick, convenient way to get help if you’re not understanding something.”
Students can create posts by uploading photos of equations or questions they’re struggling with and other students and teachers can comment with tips and answers to help out the post’s author.
Faircloth’s app will join other winning entries from across the country and be featured on display in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
“Coding and the skills required to build an app are the foundation the next generation of innovators need to keep America competitive and on the cutting edge of technology,” Brooks stated. “Initiatives like the Congressional App Challenge help talented coders get engaged early and get hands-on experience in bringing their ideas to life through coding.”
