Congressman Thompson Honors 2025 Congressional App Challenge Student Winners

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) proudly announces the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winners for Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District. Tristan Brown, LyNiah Henderson, and Jalore Myles, students from Nichols Middle School in Canton, MS, and members of the Tougaloo College Educational Talent Search Program, are the first-place winners with their digital application, Mental Moji.The app is designed to improve mental health and emotional well-being through daily mindfulness and self-care practices, offering a variety of guided activities such as journaling prompts, breathing exercises, and meditation routines aimed at promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing focus. The app also includes progress-tracking features that allow users to monitor their growth over time and stay consistent with their self-care goals.

Congressman Thompson will present the students with Certificates of Achievement on Thursday, January 28, 2026, at Nichols Middle School in Canton, MS.

"Participating in the Congressional App Challenge pushed us to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply our skills in a meaningful way," said Tristan Brown, LyNiah Henderson, and Jalore Myles. "We are proud of what we accomplished and grateful for the support of our instructors and the staff of the Tougaloo College Educational Talent Search Program."

"Through Tougaloo College's Educational Talent Search Program, this achievement reflects our commitment to expanding college access, academic enrichment, and STEM innovation," said Edna Drakes-Washington, Ph.D.(c), Assistant Director/Instructor. "Participation in the Congressional App Challenge empowered students to apply critical thinking, collaboration, and technology skills to real-world challenges, reinforcing their readiness for postsecondary success and their ability to leverage innovation in support of education, opportunity, and economic advancement."

Congressman Thompson expressed his pride in hosting the annual Congressional App Challenge, urging students to pursue STEM careers. "I commend the outstanding efforts of Tristan Brown, LyNiah Henderson, and Jalore Myles, and all participating students. I look forward to a greater influx of innovative applicants in the future."

To view all past and current winners, including Mental Moji, click here.

2026 Congressional App Challenge

The Congressional App Challenge, a revered national event, beckons middle and high school students keen on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to conceptualize and design applications for computers, tablets, or phones. The call for submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge in Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District will open in May 2026. For more information and to participate, visit the Congressional App Challenge website.