Calling All Student Coders!

Submitted by U.S. Representative Jeff Denham’s Office

U.S. Representative Jeff Denham announced the opening of California’s 10th District Congressional App Challenge. This competition invites middle and high school students to compete with peers to create and showcase their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice. The best app will be displayed in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol.

“Innovation and creativity are hallmarks of the American entrepreneurial spirit and now, especially, we look to the next generation to usher us into the next age of technological transformation,” said Rep. Denham. “The Central Valley is full of potential from our bright and eager students, and I’m looking forward to seeing what great advancements come from this year’s submissions.”

Students who reside or attend school in California’s 10th Congressional District are eligible to participate and may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four. Participants must submit their app along with required materials and any additional accompanying information to http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ by Noon EDT on Nov. 1, 2017. A panel of local judges who work in the software and entrepreneurial fields will judge the district’s submissions. In addition to being displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit, the winning submissions will also be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website www.house.gov. The 10th District’s winner will be announced during the week of Dec. 4, 2017. A reception to honor the winning individuals and teams from across the nation will be held in the spring of 2018 in Washington, D.C.

Additional details including rules and requirements are available at http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. Questions should be directed to Kirsten DeWilms with Rep. Denham’s Modesto office at (209) 579-5458.

Top DUSD Students Reflect on Quality of Education

Salutatorian, Madison Taylor and valedictorian, Trey Howze

Salutatorian, Madison Taylor and valedictorian, Trey Howze

The Denair High School Class of 2014 will be honored May 30 at a graduation celebration. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Jack Lytton Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are not required.

Trey Howze will be the valedictorian and Madison Taylor the salutatorian. Trey (4.22) had the highest grade-point average among the 79 graduating seniors and Madison (4.15) had the second-highest.  Trey and Madison recently took time to answer 10 questions about their high school experiences.

Question: What are the key things other students should know about your academic success and how you achieved it?

Trey: The key that students should know about achieving academic success is hard work.  It doesn’t matter if you’re the smartest person, but if you’re lazy you will have problems.  I was able to achieve success because I put the time in to study and work.

Madison: Determination and setting goals is part of what got me so far in academics. I got into a habit of getting home and doing my work right away. It got easier over time. Never be afraid to ask questions because that is part of learning. Failure is also part of learning. Nobody is perfect and failing allows people to realize what they did wrong how to fix it.

Q: How much time outside of class did you spend studying or doing homework?

Madison: In general, I most take about an hour to two hours a day studying and doing homework. As long as I keep up with my work and don’t put it off, it doesn’t take very long.

Trey: I spent an average of about two hours doing homework each night after practice.  The key to spending time is not procrastinating each night but to get portions done so that there is still time to relax and hang out with friends. Continue reading “Top DUSD Students Reflect on Quality of Education” »