Co-ed High School Programming Competition attracts top talent
Michigan State University hosted the 13th Annual Co-ed High School Programming Competition on Saturday, March 15, for 62 high school students on 20 teams from around Michigan.
Grades 9-12 were put into teams of three and worked together primarily using the Python and Java programming languages. Computer Science and Engineering Professor of Instruction Josh Nahum served as the primary organizer for the computer science contest. Laura Dillon, professor emeritus of computer science and engineering, has also been actively involved in the competition for several years.
“A huge thanks to Josh Nahum for his continued passion in creating the questions and programming for the competition and his dedication to increasing the diversity in engineering,” said Teresa Isela VanderSloot, director of Women in Engineering, Recruitment and K-12 Outreach, who was in charge of event logistics. “Another huge thanks to Laurie for her continued unwavering commitment and support year after year.”
MSU student volunteers were also key to the success of the competition. The undergraduate student mentors included: Sania Sinha, Divyalakshmi Varadha Rajan Prem Sudha, Lia Kim, Joshua Twumasi, and Bilal Noori. Graduate students Mark Kocherovsky and Ali Eshtehardian gave short presentations on their research.
The first-place team in the experienced category was SkylinerSeniors from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor. Members are Arjun Alva, Jessica Fang and Kirill Zamulin.
The first-place team in the novice category was GAD(K10GHRHJS) from Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center in Kalamazoo. Members are George Hann, Jacob Stasienko, and Sam Edmonds.
The event was sponsored by the MSU College of Engineering Broadening Participation K-12 Programs.
(Date Posted: 2025-04-11)