Scalise Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winner

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced the 2021 Congressional App Challenge winner for Louisiana's First Congressional District. This past year's winner, Vaishnavi Kumbala of Metairie, is in the ninth grade at Haynes Academy. Vaishnavi created "Saplings," an app that provides users with engaging activities to help manage stress and anxiety through a variety of resources which can be personalized based on their interests.

"Congratulations to Vaishnavi Kumbala from Haynes Academy for winning the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana's First Congressional District! Vaishnavi's app, Saplings, provides users with engaging resources to reduce stress and better manage anxiety in their lives.

"As a former computer programmer, I am always excited to see students taking an interest in the applied sciences and exploring new ways to allow technology to make our everyday lives easier.

"I applaud Vaishnavi for her creativity and hard work in developing this app and commend Haynes Academy for encouraging students to study computer science and engage in technological education."