A team of middle school scholars from W.J. Christian K-8 School has earned First Place in the Governor’s Statewide App Challenge (Middle School Division), a remarkable accomplishment that highlights creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving.
The Governor’s App Challenge is designed to inspire students across Alabama to explore computer science by creating original apps that address real needs in their communities. Through this experience, students strengthen skills in coding, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking while developing solutions that can make a meaningful impact.
This year’s achievement is especially meaningful as it marks W.J. Christian’s second year competing in the challenge. After earning 2nd Place last year, our students returned with even greater determination and rose to earn the top statewide honor.
Award-Winning Student Developers (8th Grade):
Jailen Mott
Mariah Owens
Saniyah Horn-Prudhomme
Their winning app, SportsFlow, was designed to support student-athletes as they balance academics, athletics, and daily responsibilities. The app helps users organize schedules, track performance, and improve communication between students, parents, and coaches,all in one accessible platform.
Looking ahead, the student developers have set an exciting goal: to further refine SportsFlow and work toward releasing it in the App Store, believing strongly that it can serve a real and growing need for students. Their vision begins here at W.J. Christian, expands across Birmingham City Schools, and eventually reaches statewide and beyond, allowing more students and families to benefit from the app.
Beyond the technical work, this project reflects a powerful shift in mindset. Our scholars are beginning to see themselves as young entrepreneurs and change-makers, not waiting until adulthood to make an impact, but actively creating solutions that serve their communities now.
This work was guided by their classroom facilitator, Portrice L. Warren, whose leadership and commitment to student-centered learning helped bring this vision to life.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to its valued partner, Ed Farm, and to Emma Ross Courington for their continued support in expanding innovative learning opportunities for students. We celebrate this outstanding accomplishment and the continued excellence of our W.J. Christian scholars,” said Warren.