Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-07

RECOGNIZING THE SUPPORTERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IN PUERTO RICO

Context

On 2026-01-07, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE SUPPORTERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IN PUERTO RICO" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E7] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SUPPORTERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IN PUERTO RICO ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the dedicated judges and STEM leaders who supported the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Puerto Rico, a national coding and computer science competition designed to inspire middle school and high school students to explore technology, innovation, and problem-solving. The Congressional App Challenge provides students in grades 6 through 12 with a unique opportunity to develop original applications that address real-world challenges through coding, creativity, and critical thinking. This year's competition in Puerto Rico reached a historic milestone, with a record total of 20 applications submitted and more than 30 students participating from 16 municipalities across the island, reflecting the growing interest in STEM education in Puerto Rico. Behind the success of this program stands an exceptional group of judges, professionals, and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, who generously volunteered their time and expertise. They carefully reviewed student submissions, evaluating technical execution and creativity, and offered thoughtful feedback grounded in industry knowledge and academic rigor--ensuring a fair, thorough, and meaningful evaluation for every participant. Beyond judging, these STEM leaders demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship and youth development. By exposing students to professional pathways in technology and innovation, they reinforced the message that Puerto Rico's young people can compete, create, and excel at the highest levels--helping to cultivate the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape Puerto Rico's future and contribute to our technological advancement. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere gratitude to the judges and STEM leaders who offered their perspectives and expertise in the industry in our 2025 Congressional App Challenge: aerospace engineer and CDS Manager at Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico Inc., Ms. Shirley Skerrett Ramirez; Executive Director of Grupo Guayacan, Ms. Laura Cantero, Founder of Terminal34 and 2019 CAC winner of Puerto Rico, Mr. Bryan Garcia; Former Executive Director of the office of Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Services (PRITS), Mr. Antonio Ramos Guardiola; and former Chief Information Officer and Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Giancarlo Gonzalez Ascar. Their service reflects the very standards we hold our student innovators to: analytical rigor, ethical judgment, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to applying technology to solve real- world challenges. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE SUPPORTERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IN PUERTO RICO Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E7] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SUPPORTERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IN PUERTO RICO ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the dedicated judges and STEM leaders who supported the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Puerto Rico, a national coding and computer science competition designed to inspire middle school and high school students to explore technology, innovation, and problem-solving. The Congressional App Challenge provides students in grades 6 through 12 with a unique opportunity to develop original applications that address real-world challenges through coding, creativity, and critical thinking. This year's competition in Puerto Rico reached a historic milestone, with a record total of 20 applications submitted and more than 30 students participating from 16 municipalities across the island, reflecting the growing interest in STEM education in Puerto Rico. Behind the success of this program stands an exceptional group of judges, professionals, and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, who generously volunteered their time and expertise. They carefully reviewed student submissions, evaluating technical execution and creativity, and offered thoughtful feedback grounded in industry knowledge and academic rigor--ensuring a fair, thorough, and meaningful evaluation for every participant. Beyond judging, these STEM leaders demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship and youth development. By exposing students to professional pathways in technology and innovation, they reinforced the message that Puerto Rico's young people can compete, create, and excel at the highest levels--helping to cultivate the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers who will shape Puerto Rico's future and contribute to our technological advancement. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere gratitude to the judges and STEM leaders who offered their perspectives and expertise in the industry in our 2025 Congressional App Challenge: aerospace engineer and CDS Manager at Pratt & Whitney Puerto Rico Inc., Ms. Shirley Skerrett Ramirez; Executive Director of Grupo Guayacan, Ms. Laura Cantero, Founder of Terminal34 and 2019 CAC winner of Puerto Rico, Mr. Bryan Garcia; Former Executive Director of the office of Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Services (PRITS), Mr. Antonio Ramos Guardiola; and former Chief Information Officer and Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Giancarlo Gonzalez Ascar. Their service reflects the very standards we hold our student innovators to: analytical rigor, ethical judgment, creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to applying technology to solve real- world challenges. ____________________