Announcing the 2022 CodeHS Scholars
Congratulations to these students pursuing CS after high school and being selected for the 2022 CodeHS Scholarship Program
We are excited to announce the first class of CodeHS Scholars! These students were selected from a wide pool of impressive applicants. Applicants were evaluated on short essays, coding programs, and letters of recommendation from teachers.
The CodeHS Scholars will receive a $1,000 grant to support their post-secondary studies this fall. They will also have the opportunity to network with one another and members of the CodeHS team throughout their freshman year.
Read more below to learn about the scholars and their future plans.
Anna Muller — Seattle University — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I am choosing computer science because I want to utilize my programming and software skills to improve the environment and local communities globally.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “I am looking forward to being in a university with connections to large tech companies like Intel and Microsoft.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I was born with a hole in my heart and it closed itself over time.”
Benjamin Duenas — University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I chose to pursue computer science because programming was a concept that felt natural to me, even from as early as middle school. In the future, I hope to contribute to new systems and applications that help simplify the way future people code, so that it might become more approachable to aspiring programmers.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “I’m looking forward to the change of scenery (I’ll be moving from New York to Michigan after all) and being able to live independently. With a whole new state to live and learn in, it will be hard for me to get bored.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “In my free time, I like to play video games and board games, collect novelty decks of playing cards, practice balisong flipping, and learn random cool science/math facts and principles.”
Braylen Covington — University of South Carolina Upstate — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I’ve always loved computers and wish to fully understand how to use them. With what I learn, I plan to make and create innovative software that I hope will help the world.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “Learning even more about the one thing I love most: computers. I also look forward to making those life long relationships and friendships.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I got into Dungeons and Dragons during the pandemic and have enjoyed the hobby ever since.”
Calvin Josenhans — Indiana University Bloomington — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I’m studying computer science both because the workings of computers and algorithms fascinate me, and because of how pervasive the field has become in the modern world. I hope that my future endeavors can help to make society more equitable, and improve people’s quality of life.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “Having more freedom and taking more advanced and involved classes.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I really like to play pickleball in my free time.”
Christopher Danner — Case Western Reserve University — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I am choosing to study computer science largely as a result of my experiences in AP Computer Science and my subsequent exploration of the field of computer science. Previously, I did not have much exposure to computer science and had not considered it as a possible career. My AP Computer Science class, however, not only exposed me to many of the possible opportunities offered by computer science and programming but also revealed that the field itself is aligned heavily with my logical, problem-solving mindset. I studied the field further in my free time, which revealed yet more applications for the field and a wealth of opportunities for continued learning throughout my lifetime. Although I am unsure of exactly which application of computer science I would like to primarily pursue in my future career, I hope to use my knowledge to improve the quality of life for as many people as possible through accessible, user-oriented software.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “I am most looking forward to “broadening my horizons” through the many new opportunities for learning that college provides. This includes further exploration of computer science as I strive to achieve a greater level of proficiency with programming, but also includes taking advantage of the many opportunities to learn from people whose past experiences may differ wildly from my own.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “Four years ago, I did an animal encounter where I got to feed and interact with a red panda.”
Edgar Rodriguez — University of Texas at Austin — Computer Engineering
Why Computer Science? “I am choosing to study computer science because of the infinite opportunities that the field presents. From software to hardware, computer science can be found in just about everything. Knowing that computer science can be found almost anywhere sparked my interest because it will allow me to go into a field that is not confined to one area. I hope that in the future, I will use my knowledge of computer science to create innovations that help people’s lives become easier. Even if it is the smallest of things, knowing that I created something that people can depend on is one of my goals for my future endeavors.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “I am most looking forward to learning from experts in the field of computer engineering. Working closely with them will allow me to gain the necessary knowledge to succeed in this field. It will also give me a sense of what it takes to be successful and how to achieve that success.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I started bowling almost every week a couple of months ago, and my highest score is 246.”
Jude Lopez — Boston University — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I am choosing to study computer science because there is so much more to explore and learn about it. Learning how the technology around us operates is such an interesting concept, and developing the skills to express my creativity in a wide array of means keeps my passion going. I hope that my future endeavors are able to help people in any degree possible, whether it be making improvements to and optimizing school systems or making connectivity with healthcare services more accessible.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “I am most looking forward to meeting people from all over the country, and connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “A second passion of mine is cooking, which I was introduced to by my mom. I enjoy making dishes for family gatherings as well as baking desserts such as crème brûlée.”
Kacie Myers — Truman State University — Computer Science and Psychology
Why Computer Science? “I love the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that come into play with computer programming and fell in love with coding. I hope to blend my love of programming with my passion for psychology to help people overcome life challenges.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “Making lifelong friends and memories and figuring out ways I can apply my passion as an occupation.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I was able to spend 10 days this summer traveling all around Ireland. I fell in love with the culture and the music.”
Paige Carr — California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo) — Computer Engineering
Why Computer Science? “With the understanding of computers and how they work and how to program them, we will be able to navigate through the new world much easier. I plan to innovate new technology that will help our population in multiple aspects of life.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “I am most excited for the engineering clubs and sharing ideas with other people to work together and create something original.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I was born on Lemoore Navy Base because my Dad was stationed there.”
Spencer Philips — University of South Carolina (Columbia) — Computer Science
Why Computer Science? “I really enjoy the process of learning and applying new code concepts to personal projects.”
What are you looking forward to in college? “Being in a learning environment with students who share the same passion.”
What’s a fun fact about you? “I like to mountain bike on the weekends.”
Congratulations again to our 2022 CodeHS Scholars!
