MHS students join nationwide coding contest

Public School System director of instructional technology Bobby Cruz poses for a selfie with Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan and Marianas High School students Ian Cataluna, Mimi Sakano, Melody Yang, and Celina Wu, who are representing the CNMI at the National Congressional App Competition. (Contributed Photo)

Marianas High School students were among several regional representatives throughout the United States who joined a nationwide coding competition in Washington, D.C. that rewarded students who create apps to promote positive social change.

Four CNMI students were honored at the National Congressional App Competition for their app called Health Buddy, which is designed to assist those diagnosed with diabetes in the CNMI.

The app features information about diabetes prevention and management, including locations for health clinics and providers and also a data monitoring and recording framework with a “user-friendly interface.”

The CNMI team was composed of Ian Cataluna, Mimi Sakano, Melody Yang, and Celina Wu.

Their participation in Washington, D.C. was a collaboration between Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan’s (Ind-MP) office and the Public School System.

This was the second year in a row that MHS represented the CNMI in the competition.

“Opportunities like the Congressional App Challenge help to promote the idea of the ‘New Digital Citizenship,’” said Dr. Bobby Cruz, PSS director of instruction technology, in a statement.

Cruz explained that the Washington, D.C. showcase was held for the regional winners representing different states across the U.S. The showcase also came with other benefits, including an educational excursion.

“It was an amazing opportunity that shaped my perspective on technology. I was able to witness the use of different apps for so many different applications and seeing that a lot was put to use in order to solve problems was an inspiring sight to see,” Cataluna said.

Sakano noted that she had a “wonderful experience” being able to see other creative apps that students were able to create. “I learned so much,” she added.

“It was an astonishing experience as our team got to meet other students from different states with their innovative apps. Also, our team got to meet and talk to Congressmen Kilili Sablan as he came to support our app. He actually stayed with us for hours, which was very nice,” Yang said in a statement.

The PSS statement noted that Health Buddy will soon be expanded to address other diseases.

PSS Distance Education Program manager Lorraine Catienza noted that she and Cruz would be together to further promote technology programs and competitions.

“…We look forward to seeing more students participate. We are proud of what this team has accomplished,” she said in a statement.