WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE

Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced the winners for the Fourth District’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge on Monday evening in Hot Springs.  

The Congressional App Challenge encourages high school students across the country to showcase their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills and knowledge by creating their own apps. The winning app, “VeriTask,” was created by Zaynab Al-Shami from Arkansas Connections Academy. This app is designed to help diagnose younger kids who might be suffering from disorders but struggle to get a diagnosis or medical help due to their young age. The app provides games based on what disorder is being tested for and a directory of doctors in the area. Congressman Bruce Westerman released the following statement: 

“The Congressional App Challenge creates an opportunity for Arkansas students to learn more about computer science and technology, and it is a great privilege to celebrate the ingenuity and skill displayed in our youth each year,” said Congressman Westerman. This year’s competition was no exception, and I’m grateful for the determination and creativity displayed by each participating team that shines a bright light on the exciting future that lies ahead for the Natural State.”

The “VeriTask” app will be on digital display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., along with winning apps from other congressional districts. 

This year, the Fourth District received 9 submissions from 21 students, and the winners were announced on Monday evening during a reception held in Hot Springs. 

The winners were chosen by a panel of 2 judges. 

The 2025 Fourth District top three teams are: 

First Place: Zaynab Al-Shami from Arkansas Connections Academy – “VeriTask” App. 

Second Place: Mohammed Alroobi and Nasif Ahmed from Magnolia High School – “ARCA Smart Saver” App. 

Third Place: Lindsey Hollis, Elizabeth Brewer, and Sara Benitez from Dardanelle High School – “Early Discovery” App.