WASHINGTON D.C. – January 8, 2020, Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) announces the winner of the Fifth Annual Congressional App Challenge for the Fourteenth District. 

This year, Clear Springs High School student Xiaohan Liu won first place with her app, "LinguaLedo." "Language has always been interesting to me. Speaking Mandarin Chinese at home, English outside, and then taking Spanish classes in high school allowed me to realize the importance of language for communication and understanding. It is impossible to truly connect with someone without communicating in their native language," said Liu. Xiaohan's app aims to foster language awareness and appreciation in young children through an interactive introduction to multiple alphabets.

"I congratulate Xiaohan on her winning app and everyone who participated in the Congressional App Challenge," Weber said. "I am always impressed by the hard work and ingenuity of our great Texas students. I encourage all of our Fourteenth District students to consider participating in next year's competition."

The U.S. House of Representatives established the Congressional App Challenge in 2013 as a nationwide event that invites middle and high school students from all participating Congressional districts to compete as individuals or groups up to four. Students work to create and present an original software application, or "app," for a mobile, tablet, or computer platform of their choosing.

The contest, modeled after the long-successful Congressional Art Competition was designed, to promote innovation and engagement in STEM education fields. Students who live in or are eligible to attend public schools located in Texas' Fourteenth Congressional District were invited to join the Fourteenth District App Challenge. The winning app will be placed on display in the U.S. Capitol alongside other winners from the nation. Additionally, the first-place winner will receive $250 Amazon Web Services credits and receive an invitation to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C.