Three students from a Compton Unified School District (CUSD) high school, Compton Early College, were selected as the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge for U.S. congresswoman Nannette Diaz Barragan’s district (CA-44).

Representatives from Congresswoman Barragan’s office surprised the students at a morning assembly with the news that they won. Ninth graders Ta’corrie Cleveland, Isamari Paz Diaz, and Cesar Hernandez were selected for designing an app called, ‘Easy for the Elderly,’ which is meant to help the elderly by giving them an easy way of immediately calling three key people: an emergency contact (like 911), a non-emergency number which they may contact for minor issues, and the elder's main caregiver. The app also contains an alarm for the user’s medication time. They developed the idea as a part of a computer science class at the school.

Pamela Maddox, Principal of Compton Early College, kicked off the assembly by recognizing the students and their computer science teacher, Mr. Larry Hood, “Mr. Hood was very instrumental in encouraging these students to step out, take a chance, and submit an entry in the App Challenge,” she said, “We are proud to have him and these amazing students as members of our school community.”

The assembly was the school’s official launch of Computer Science Education week, which is taking place across the entire Compton Unified School District from December 4 through December 8, and celebrates the district’s technology initiatives and student tech innovation. “This award is a testament to how our students are using and mastering the tools necessary to help them become 21st century learners,” remarked Mr. Hood.

CUSD Superintendent Darin Brawley also addressed the group, sharing that he was very proud of the student team. “They exemplify the talent, skill and innovation that are so much a part of this school and our District,” he stated. “They demonstrate that Compton Unified is a place where STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) thrives!”

Presenting the certificates of recognition from Congresswoman Barragan’s Office were District Director Gabriela Medina and field representative for Compton, Rev. K.W. Tulloss. “I am honored to be here to celebrate whom I believe will be three more names to be entered into the Compton Hall of Fame,” remarked Rev. Tulloss.

Ms. Medina addressed the assembly and called out the app’s focus on the elderly, “It is tremendous that they decided to focus on the elderly, [a population] that will continue to grow in size over the next ten years.”

The students were completely surprised by the announcement of their submission being selected. When asked what was next for the app, they shared that they would like to continue to improve it by making it more user friendly for seniors and building in more features.

“Today is indeed a good day in Compton!” CUSD Board President Satra Zurita said as she addressed the assembly, “These students’ innovative solution to a very important need shows that they are smart, talented and compassionate.”

About Early College High School

Compton Early College High School (CECHS) was established in collaboration with El Camino Community College-Compton Center in August 2015. CECHS is located in the residential community of Compton sharing the campus of Willowbrook Middle School. All classes are college-preparatory and meet A-G requirements. In alignment with the mission of Compton Unified School District, CECHS’s high school graduation requirements follow the University of California’s undergraduate college admissions requirement. To complement the academic rigor, CECHS utilizes a 1:1 Chrome book program. The demographic breakdown of CECHS is the following: 75.5% Hispanic, 20.5% African American, and 3.9% Samoan, 37.5. CECHS students work to obtain both their AA and high school diploma with dual enrollment (AB 288). For More information, visit https://cechs-compton-ca.schoolloop.com .