Independence Library hosts youth coding league national championship led by Patrick Bridal

Students from the Independence Library's youth coding league showcased their impressive skills at the national coding championship, marking a significant milestone for the library as it hosted the event for the first time. The competition, supported by library director Patrick Bridal, featured participants who engaged in a series of coding challenges, ultimately leading to a national title victory.

Three students, Jake, David, and Marshall, represented their team, Operation Donut, during the competition. They utilized the programming platform Scratch to develop their project, which was evaluated based on technical merit and community engagement. The technical merit category, judged by computer science engineers, assessed the sophistication and functionality of their coding project, while the community favorite segment allowed the public to vote for their preferred project.

The students explained that achieving high technical merit required creating a smart and engaging game or animated video. Their project, themed around space, included an animated video simulating life on a space station, complemented by interactive games and comedic segments. The team had a limited timeframe of four to five weeks to complete their project, demonstrating their ability to work under pressure.

This achievement not only highlights the talents of young coders in the community but also underscores the role of local libraries in fostering educational opportunities and supporting youth engagement in technology. As the Independence Library continues to champion such initiatives, the future looks bright for aspiring coders in the region.