Press Releases

Binghamton, NY — U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today announced Myah Whitney and Addison Neno, sixth graders at Newark Valley Middle School in Tioga County, have been named winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for New York’s 19th Congressional District. Myah and Addison's app ‘Chatter’ is eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and application fees will be waived through the ARTS Act if they choose to copyright the app. 

The 2023 Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages students to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills by coding their own application or "app" for any digital device. It was open to all middle and high school students who live or attend school in New York’s 19th Congressional District, regardless of skill level.

Inspired by the sign language chart on Newark Valley Middle School’s playground, Myah and Addison's app ‘Chatter’ helps people learn American sign language (ASL) by teaching the alphabet and common phrases. A demo of the app can be found here. The app embodies the spirit of Rep. Molinaro’s 'Think DIFFERENTLY' initiative, which works to break down barriers for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and disabilities.

Rep. Molinaro said, “I am extremely proud of all the talented local students who participated in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge and am excited to share Myah Whitney and Addison Neno are our winners for their outstanding work to create an app that teaches people ASL in a fun way. It takes two to communicate and it’s inspiring to see Myah and Addison take on this challenge to help Deaf and hard of hearing individuals communicate with others. This is Think DIFFERENTLY in action, way to go!”