Press Releases

Today, as part of Computer Science Education Week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) met with Ethan Visscher to congratulate the Zeeland East High School student on winning the 2018 Second District Congressional App Challenge. Ethan’s app, “Right on Red,” received the highest scores from a panel of local judges who are experts in the technology field.

“Right on Red” is a game in which the user is directing a car with only one control. When the car is the color red, it can only turn right. While playing the game, the user can interact with a feature that modifies game play allowing the user to only turn left and changing the color of the car to blue. The goal is to navigate the course by avoiding obstacles, like rocks or trees, and crossing the finish line to complete the level.

“Congratulations to Ethan on winning the 2018 Congressional App Challenge,” said Congressman Huizenga. “Technology, specifically coding, is playing a larger role in our society than ever before. By creating ‘Right on Red,’ Ethan has provided a wonderful example of how students across West Michigan can combine what they have learned in the classroom with their own imagination to design a variety of apps. It is encouraging to see students like Ethan enjoy, embrace, and excel in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

By winning the Congressional App Challenge, Ethan will be invited to visit Washington, D.C. in the spring to showcase his app to Members of Congress and members of the tech community at the #HouseOfCode reception. “Right on Red” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the House of Representatives website along with other winning entries from around the country. Ethan will also receive Amazon Web Service credits, donated by Amazon Web Services.

To view Ethan’s “Right on Red” demonstration, click here. For more information on the Congressional App Challenge, click here.