Welcoming Local HIGH SCHOOLS The next generation of Coders Compete
The Innovation Hub at St. Lawrence College was all about coding on May 10th! A student-led competition brought excitement as teams tackled tough coding challenges. This great event was created and executed by Andrew Ryce, a student in our Computer Programming and Analysis program.
HANDS-ON experience in AN important industry
Coding is an important and growing field. With some of the fastest-growing areas relying on programmers – like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing – it's a skill that will open many doors. Events like this give students a head start in this competitive and dynamic field, where they will go on to shape the apps we use and the systems that keep our world moving and secure.
How this event happened
Motivated by his own high school coding competitions, Andrew saw these events uncertain future and stepped up to fill the gap. He wanted to provide current students with the same inspiring opportunity he had. With support from his classmates and faculty like John Holmes, he designed an inclusive yet challenging and fun event to give high school students a taste of the programming world beyond the classroom.
What the competition was all about
The competition drew 12 teams from high schools, some as far out as Belleville to the Hub. With 26 more teams from Ottawa, Waterloo, and Toronto battling it out online. As the clock started, the determination in the room was apparent as the young coders went to work tackling six carefully crafted challenges. With no access to outside resources like Wi-Fi. These students put their knowledge, logic, and teamwork to the test to find solutions.
The winners were announced
As the final countdown began the anticipation throughout the room grew. Teams looked to our podium as John Holmes and Micheal Carter took center stage to announce the winners. A huge shout out to all the teams who competed today and poured their heart and soul into a core belief of ours here at the Innovation Hub, problem solving. Through collaboration, and critical thinking many students found innovative ways to solve these challenges. In the end, the winners for the in-person portion were announced and one team from Bayridge Secondary School took home third. Two groups from Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School took home first and second place. Congratulations to the virtual winners Waterloo Collegiate Institute came in 3rd, Holy Trinity School placed 2nd, and Victoria Park Collegiate Institute as our winner for the virtual teams. We want to take a moment for another shout-out to everyone who competed today and wish all teams luck in their future studies.
Come collaborate with us
We're so proud of Andrew's initiative and the enthusiasm of all the participants! We are excited to see what the fantastic community at SLC brings through our doors next. If you are a faculty or student within the college with a community initiative in mind, reach out – we at the Hub would love to collaborate.
I was a participant in similar events last year, so as the organizer this time, I wanted students to get the same enjoyment [I got] out of this event, and build more interest in programming! - Andrew Ryce