Announcing the 2024 CodeHS Scholars
CodeHS is excited to announce the 2024 CodeHS Scholars! These students were selected from a wide pool of impressive applicants 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:
Heidi Blank — Concordia University — Computer Science
Alma Mater: Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School, Las Vegas, Nevada
Why Computer Science?
I am looking forward to entering the computer science field, specifically data science, because I enjoy creating computer programs that store and manipulate data to benefit people’s understanding of different situations. With this career, I plan to contribute both to my company and its consumers who depend on properly functioning and efficient business. I hope that the data that I engineer and organize will make a difference by saving people time and helping them make well-informed and efficient decisions. My school and family have always supported me by demonstrating their character and servant leadership, and I hope to serve in the various roles of my life in the same way.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I am most looking forward to the new experiences I will get to have in college, but especially on my college’s Programming Team and in my computer science college work program. I also cannot wait to meet experts and other fellow computer science majors that I can collaborate with and learn from. I look forward to encouraging others in the computer science field, especially other young women who may be intimidated to enter this field.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I have gone on seven backpacking trips, and at one point I hiked across two glaciers in one day.
Andrew Burbank — UCLA — Computer Science and Engineering
Alma Mater: Ann Sobrato High School, Morgan Hill Unified School District, California
Why Computer Science?
I have always felt drawn towards computer science. I love doing my outside programming projects because they are enjoyable to work on while also feeling productive. Computer science has an infinite amount of opportunities to help people. This is because of its natural ability to reach millions of people at little to no cost. Once I graduate, I plan to start a program to help as many people as I can with computer science.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m looking forward to working on projects with other students. I learn best by working on projects with real-world applications, and plan on joining multiple clubs as well as finding as many research opportunities as possible. I am also looking forward to meeting new people. UCLA is home to some of the nation’s brightest students and I hope to befriend as many as I can.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I LOVE TO GOLF! The golf course feels like my home away from home. Whenever life is stressing me out, I grab my clubs and go to the course.
Adam Elitzur — Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Computer Science and Engineering
Alma Mater: Posnack School, Davie, Florida
Why Computer Science?
In eighth grade, I noticed my father was manually looking up thousands of companies for business development purposes. Having just completed a Python course, I realized I could help by automating the process for him. I researched web scraping and built a tool that saved him hours of work. It was an incredible feeling to see a need, build something, and witness real-world impact. My passion for programming was born.
For the next four years, coding captivated me and my appetite for learning was insatiable. I dove into additional courses, such as Harvard’s CS50, and CodeHS’ courses throughout high school.
As my interest grew, I discovered more educational resources through YouTube and other online classes. I coded a few projects, including a website for a language tutor and Songlingo, a website that helps people learn languages through songs. The thrill of computer science comes from creating something from my desk that can benefit people and communities anywhere in the world. In the future, I want to continue building Songlingo to help people learn new languages globally. I also hope to identify other societal problems and use technology to help solve them!
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I am looking forward to the collaborative and innovative environment that college offers. Being surrounded by like-minded, passionate individuals will be incredibly inspiring. The prospect of getting to know peers who share similar interests and ambitions is exhilarating. I’m also excited to meet others with diverse interests, as this will provide opportunities to explore new areas and expand my horizons. In high school, I thrived on collaborative projects and discussions, and I am excited to continue this in a college setting, where the scale and scope of collaboration will be even greater.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I have a 1,708 day Duolingo streak, which is higher than one of the Duolingo co-founders!
Joani Kaleshi — University of Michigan — Computer Science
Alma Mater: Mamaroneck High School, Mamaroneck Union Free School District, New York
Why Computer Science?
As a child, I was fascinated by how snippets of combinations of ones and zeros could create images, display videos, make sounds, connect us with each other, and even allow me to compose this paragraph. Surfing on the web and using applications, I’d stand in awe of these digital realities. Over time, I developed the desire to be able to create these too. It is now my dream to evolve in my journey as a technological creator by majoring in Computer Science.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
During my years in college, I aim to get involved in the campus life, such as clubs and campus activities, build new relationships and make the most of what my university has to offer.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I love going to the gym and rock climbing!
Calista LaPorte — Kutztown University — Computer Science
Alma Mater: Quakertown Community High School, Quakertown Community SD, Pennsylvania
Why Computer Science?
I am pursuing computer science because I like making programs. I like to learn new things and make new things. I hope to make a positive impact by being a role model to encourage other women to follow their dreams of computer science, even though it is a male-dominated industry.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I am most excited to learn new things. I want to grow my experiences and become the best that I can be.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I’ve been in choir for 10 years.
Ashley McFerron — Southern New Hampshire University — Computer Science
Alma Mater: Gahanna Lincoln High School, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, Ohio
Why Computer Science?
I’m pursuing computer science because I’ve always been drawn to technology and computers as a whole. I’ve found that coding gives me a sense of comfort, and I wish to inspire others to delve into STEM to find their passion too.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I’m most excited to learn new programming languages, expand upon the ones I’m already familiar with, and to get a better grasp on technology in general.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I’ve broken my arms a total of 3 times, all of which were a result of competitive club soccer.
Malick Ndoye — Kennesaw State University — Computer Science
Alma Mater: Hiram High School, Paulding County School District, Georgia
Why Computer Science?
I hope to study computer science in order to gain the skills to make interesting and entertaining products in order to make people happy.
I want to be able use programming and machine learning in order to make very cool programs like AI’s, games, apps, websites, and anything and everything else.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
The types of interesting projects I will end up making.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I’m Muslim.
Rishab Pradeep — University of Texas at Austin — Computer Science
Alma Mater: McNeil High School, Round Rock ISD, Texas
Why Computer Science?
After learning about Linux and computers to make a Minecraft server, I got drawn into the workings of systems and technology and continue to explore them to this day. I would love to use the knowledge I gain to create solutions to unique problems that will alleviate issues related to health, education, and much more!
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow students to share my knowledge and learn from them. I am excited about the many clubs and activities I can participate in.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I have a Shih-Tzu puppy named Panda who always seemed to know when I would be back from school as he’d be waiting by the door.
Simmi Sen — Stanford University — Computer Science
Alma Mater: Skyview High School, Vancouver Public School District, Washington
Why Computer Science?
I am pursuing computer science because it combines my love for problem-solving and innovation. My research on AI-driven solutions for cataract surgery at Stanford Medicine has shown me the transformative potential of technology in healthcare. Creating the Eliza Virtual Hair Stylist app demonstrated how coding can develop impactful, user-friendly products. I hope to use my skills to develop technologies that empower others and address real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare and education.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I am really looking forward to meeting new people and solving interesting problems. I am also excited to be a part of a community of women who are also pursuing STEM fields!
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I can solve many different types of Rubik’s Cubes, from the 3x3 to the 7x7!
Miguel Villatoro — National Park College — Cybersecurity
Alma Mater: Lakeside High School, Lakeside School District, Arkansas
Why Computer Science?
I am pursuing cybersecurity because I have always been interested in the technology and methods behind how the internet works and how data is transferred. In pursuing this major, I hope to be able to play a part in the advancement of technology.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
I most look forward to meeting many new people with similar interests as me; giving me the opportunity to hear many different perspectives.
Share a fun fact about yourself:
I like putting things together to learn how they work.
Congratulations to our 2024 CodeHS Scholars!
