Pictured from left CHS Computer Science teacher Robby Blakemore, sophomore Wade Ballard, and junior Omar DeJesus posing in front of the White House in Washington, D.C..

CARROLLTON, GA – Over spring break, two Carrollton High School students visited Washington, D.C. to present an app they designed to members of Congress, thanks to funding provided by the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation.

In January, Carrollton High School junior Omar DeJesus, sophomore Wade Ballard and freshman Alaina Dhople won the Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s Third District, securing the CHS computer science program a victory for the seventh year in a row. This is Omar’s second consecutive win as a part of the team creating an app for this competition. The challenge, spearheaded by the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to inspire middle and high school students to delve into coding and contemplate future paths in computer science.

Omar, Wade, and Alaina collaborated to develop an app called Trojan Advocate, an AI-driven application that provides self-advocacy tools for students with disabilities. This year, the challenge encouraged participants to incorporate AI into their app. In addition to the Congressional App Challenge, Trojan Advocate earned the highest distinction, the Platinum Prize, at the 2025 Computer Science for Georgia (CS4GA) Student App Competition at the end of March. 

As winners of the challenge, the students were given the opportunity to present their app to members of Congress. Due to a previously scheduled commitment, Alaina did not travel to D.C. with the team but contributed to the app creation and preparation. Omar and Wade represented the group to share their app and celebrate their accomplishments. 

The #HouseOfCode 2025 event hosted by Congress is the largest student app demonstration event in the country, allowing students the unique opportunity to share their winning applications with representatives. 

“Connecting with innovators and decision makers from across the nation allows students to strengthen their skills and see their work in action,” said CHS teacher Robby Blakemore. “The generosity of the CCS Education Foundation made this unforgettable experience a reality for our team.”

Omar said he is thankful to the CCS Education Foundation for making trips like this possible and for their ongoing support of students. 

“It was an honor to be able to go to D.C. and share our app,” said Omar. “I am incredibly grateful for the chance to represent our school and community on such a big stage.” 

Kristen Gill, executive director of the CCS Education Foundation, said she was proud to see the students’ hard work recognized nationally.

“These students put in tremendous effort to create an app that has the potential to help so many people,” said Gill. “Having the chance to present their work in Washington, D.C., was an incredible experience for them — and I’m proud the Foundation could help make that possible.”

In 2024, the Foundation significantly expanded opportunities for student learning beyond the classroom by allocating nearly $150,000 for field trips. This was made possible, in large part, by a generous donation earmarked specifically to support field trip experiences across the district.

Thirteen unique experiences across various destinations were approved. These trips included visits to Chattanooga, TN, Zoo Atlanta, Walt Disney World, New York City, the Georgia Aquarium, Truist Park, Washington, D.C., and Jekyll Island, among others.