CONGRESSMAN MOYLAN ANNOUNCES 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNERS

(Washington D.C.)- The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition led by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives that encourages middle and high school students to design original software applications. The program promotes student engagement in computer science and STEM by challenging youth to use technology to address real-world issues in their communities, with winning projects recognized at both the local and national levels.

This year's winners from Guam's district include:

• Overall Winner: Alexander Cruz, junior, Father Duenas Memorial School - DeepView CXR

• Second Place: Kristie Kim, junior,John F. Kennedy High School - PharmAssistant

• Third Place: Offeia Yordy, sophomore, St. John's School - Beach Buddies

Alexander Cruz earned first place for his app DeepView CXR, a software application that integrates artificial intelligence models with advanced tools for viewing and analyzing chest X-ray images. Designed for medical professionals and students, the app allows users to adjust image properties, add annotations, and compare outputs from multiple AI models displayed as heatmaps highlighting areas of interest. By pairing familiar radiology tools with AI-driven insights, DeepView CXRenhances how chest X-rays are analyzed and understood.

As the overall winner, Cruz will receive national recognition through the Congressional App Challenge, including having his app showcased at the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from across the country.

Kristie Kim placed second for her app PharmAssistant, an app designed to help users identify over-the-counter medication options and nearby pharmacies. Using keyword detection, the app provides simple, easy-to-understand guidance for managing mild symptoms and common health concerns, serving both Guam residents and visitors.

Offeia Yordy placed third for her app Beach Buddies, which alerts users to potentially hazardous beach conditions. The app aggregates data from agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Weather Service of Guam, and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, presenting beach-specific safety information in a clear, accessible format with a shareable QR code feature.

Congressman Moylan also recognized the contributions of this year's judges, thanking them for their time, expertise, and commitment to mentoring Guam's youth: Leon Shimizu, Founder of Code School of Guam and Shimizu Technology; Dr. ByoungYong Lee, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Guam; and Jessie Pangelinan, Staff Assistant with the Governor's Office. Moylan noted that their thoughtful evaluation and dedication to supporting student innovation were instrumental in the success of this year's challenge.

"These students demonstrated an impressive level of skill, creativity, and purpose in the way they approached real challenges facing our community," said Congressman Moylan."Their work underscores their ability to apply technology thoughtfully and responsibly in service of others, and it offers a clear glimpse into the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers emerging from Guam."

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