Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today congratulated Patrick Thomas, a student at Giles High School in Pearisburg, for winning the new Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Academic Competition for the Ninth District of Virginia.  Also known as the House App Contest, this competition was established last year by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  It is a nationwide event that allows high school students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting a software application (or “app”) for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. 

Thomas described his winning app, entitled “Orb Defense Game,” as a children’s tower defense game in which “…enemies try to get to the end of the map, while taking damage from nearby towers, which exist solely to destroy the oncoming enemies.”  He told Congressman Griffith today that he is planning on pursuing collegiate studies in computer science.

Congressman Griffith issued the following statement on the House App Contest:

“Congratulations to Patrick on winning the House App Contest in the Ninth District!  I am proud of Patrick for his hard work, and am inspired by his ingenuity.  As the technology and innovation scene in the Ninth District continues to grow, it is my hope that more young people like Patrick will become interested in exploring their STEM skills, participating in the House App Contest, and using their knowledge and abilities in the future to help drive American innovation and propel our nation forward.”

See attached for a photo of Congressman Griffith congratulating Ninth District House App Contest winner Patrick Thomas today in Pearisburg.