'Never limit yourself': Greendale High School students code healthy eating app, win competition

 

GREENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Friday morning, Cole Bucek, Evie Skibicki, and Reiss Steinman were called into Greendale High School's office for what staff deemed "computer problems."

But when they arrived, the three teenagers were met instead by their parents, teachers, and Congressman Bryan Steil. 

"You guys have no idea why you're here?" Rep. Steil asked. "That app you guys created? You won the Congressional App Challenge for the First Congressional District."

Just a couple of months ago, the group had entered into the competition with their app "Brain Food: NutriQuiz" -- aimed at teaching younger children about healthier eating habits. 

"It was all worth it," said junior Evie Skibicki. "I literally had no idea it was coming."

Skibicki, who joined the ALIEN Robotics team three years ago, said receiving her Certificate of Congressional Recognition on Dec. 9 felt like "a good step" in the right direction.

"Especially for women in STEM and for people just to know that this is something they can do," Skibicki said. 

The team first came up with the idea in August after seeing "everyone" on electronic devices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"That was really what we were focused on, getting that education and health onto their phones," Skibicki said.

They spent countless hours learning how to use Java, computer programming language and platform, as well as how to design an educational app, from YouTube videos and coaches and mentors.

"I am blown away. I think that’s why I’m a coach, because we didn’t have this when I was a kid. I think I’m living my childhood again," said Aleks Skibicki, Evie's father and one of the team's coaches. "They told the parents about a week ago, but they told us we couldn't tell the kids about it for a week!"

That week felt like one of the longest ever, but the surprise ceremony made up for the wait.

“Two years from today, she’ll be studying at whatever college she’s at and I’ll be home alone, so all these kinds of moments are just precious," Skibicki said. 

And while the award is exciting, what's even more so is the chance to inspire minorities and the younger generations -- the same ones they're trying to educate. 

"None of us really knew how to use Java before this competition, and we did it!" Evie Skibicki added. "If you don’t think you’re capable of learning how to use Java, learning how to code, learning how to create an app, never limit yourself. You are capable of anything."

To watch ALIEN Robotic's explainer video on Brain Food: Nutriquiz, click here.