Dilylah Johnson, Gabriella Holt and Logan Haskins won the Congressional App Challenge in Indiana’s First Congressional District. 

Johnson, Holt and Haskins used Block Code to create their winning application, “Feline Frenzy.” Their app is a game designed to raise awareness about animal shelters and inspire people to adopt pets. Players help a stray cat named Whiskers jump over trash cans to collect points. 

“Congratulations to Dilylah, Gabriella and Logan from Lowell High School on this remarkable achievement and for your efforts to raise awareness about the issues that matter most to you,” Mrvan said in a press release.

Johnson said the inspiration mainly came from Holt who loves animals and is passionate about ending animal abuse.

“I was in it to win it and was excited about making a game, but I wanted to make sure it was for a good cause,” Johnson said.

The challenge played to Holt’s interests.

“I've always had a passion for art, animals, and game design, so I guess the pieces just fell into place,” she said. “This is something I've always dreamed of.”

 Haskins said when one group member pitched the idea, they all jumped on board. 

“My family adopted our pets from animal shelters, and it is important to bring attention to these animals, so I wanted to be part of this message,” Haskins said. “I composed all of the music and did most of the coding.”

Haskins added that he was excited to see what his team would do next.

“The Congressional App Challenge is such an amazing opportunity for students to challenge themselves to collaborate and build something completely original,” Eric Stoelb, Lowell Middle School computer science teacher, said. “The students look forward to the challenge every year and learn so much from the experience.”

Valerie Hunter, Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana educator, served as a Congressional App Challenge judge.

“Feline Frenzy definitely stood out among all of the entries for its attention to detail, style, creativity and overall message,” Hunter said. “The creators’ hard work and passion shone throughout.”

 A video of the “Feline Frenzy” app can be viewed here.  The app will be part of a display in the U.S. Capitol and appear on the House.gov website for one year.  

175 students across Indiana’s First Congressional District participated in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge.  The challenge is an annual nationwide competition for middle school and high school students.