Search
Close this search box.

Niceville High School students sweep Congressional App Challenge in Florida district

Students from Niceville High School showcased technical expertise in the Congressional App Challenge, with their Memory Monsters app taking first place among district competitors.
(left) Andrew Putnam, Liam Wenzel, Sydney Foggo, Chase Robbins, and Sebastian Shinnick (right) - OCSD

Students from Niceville High School dominated the Congressional App Challenge for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, claiming all three top spots with innovative applications demonstrating technical prowess.

A team of three Niceville High School web programming students took first place with their Memory Monsters app, earning an invitation to showcase their work at the House of Code reception in Washington, D.C., in April 2025.

  • Luke Chavers, Chase Robbins, and Sebastian Shinnick will present their winning application to members of Congress.
Sebastian Shinnick, Luke Chavers, and Chase Robbins (OCSD)

The second-place award went to Sydney Foggo and Liam Wenzel for their WordSay app, while Andrew Putman secured third place with the Auxilium app.

“These students exemplify the innovative spirit and technical skills that represent the best of Okaloosa County Schools,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their success in this challenge is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and the exceptional support of their teachers and mentors.”

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition for Florida’s 1st Congressional District. The contest highlights student achievement in web programming and application development.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
Respond
“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
Respond
“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.