Students, educator receive computing-achievement awards

THE FIVE students who received National Center for Women & Information Technology awards for aspirations in computing and achievements are, in front, left to right, Paris Lopez and Zoe Schwartz, with Theodora Vessella and Amy Rudolph behind them, from left to right, and Jennifer Rivera in the back row. / COURTESY TECH COLLECTIVE
THE FIVE students who received National Center for Women & Information Technology awards for aspirations in computing and achievements are, in front, left to right, Paris Lopez and Zoe Schwartz, with Theodora Vessella and Amy Rudolph behind them, from left to right, and Jennifer Rivera in the back row. / COURTESY TECH COLLECTIVE

PORTSMOUTH – Five students and one information technology educator have been recognized with National Center for Women & Information Technology awards for aspirations in computing and achievements.
The awards, from the National Center for Women & Information Technology, Roger Williams University and Tech Collective, were given April 7 at the Roger Williams University Baypoint Inn and Conference Center.
They are given as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose technology careers.
High school students are recognized for their computing-related achievements and interests, as well as proven leadership ability, academic history and plans for post-secondary education.
NCWIT also recognizes educators who demonstrate passion and commitment in engaging their students in the technology fields.
Student award recipients are:

  • Paris Lopez – Smithfield High School
  • Jennifer Rivera – Newport Area Career & Technical Center
  • Amy Rudolph – Scituate High School
  • Zoe Schwartz – Smithfield High School
  • Theodora Vessella – Smithfield High School
    The educator award recipient is Douglas Alexander, director of technology at Lincoln School.
    JoAnn Johnson, manager of youth and education programs for Tech Collective, said in a statement that Tech Collective congratulates this year’s award winners. “These five bright young women have demonstrated their passion and abilities in computer science and engineering. We are excited to recognize their achievements and look forward to their continued success both as students as well as future members of Rhode Island’s workforce. Congratulations also to Mr. Alexander, who is playing a critical role in engaging and educating the students at Lincoln School,” Johnson said.
    Said Lucy Sanders, NCWIT CEO and co-founder, said. “This encouraging award program has a profound effect on a young woman’s decision to persist in computing, consequently producing a more competitive and diverse workforce.”
    This is the third year the Aspiration Awards have been presented in Rhode Island.
    “Working with the support of the Roger Williams’ provost and Tech Collective, this event allows us to take two steps towards addressing the balance of women in tech fields,” said W. Brett McKenzie, professor of computer information services at the RWU Gabelli School of Business. “First is to recognize and encourage young women with interest in the field. Second is to demonstrate to them that there is a support network in a field where they may not have many female peers. Bridging the generations by recognizing the talents of these young girls and ensuring there will be mentoring throughout a developing career is a unique mission of NCWIT that we are delighted to support.”

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