SURPRISE, AZ—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) announced the winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Arizona’s 8^th Congressional District. Kate Seeley, Natalie Para, and Victoria Chrostowski, residents of the district and students at Xavier Prep High School in Phoenix, AZ, won this year’s competition with their app called How Are You?. The app helps students evaluate their physical and emotional well-being on a scale of 1 to 10, rating positive or negative feelings based on the type of question asked. Users are given the opportunity to write out their thoughts and are given helplines and websites as resources for help.

“It is so important we take care of our mental health and provide help to those who need it by identifying potential mental health concerns,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “This is a great app that allows users to easily answer questions about their mental health, and I am impressed with how this app provides information on mental health resources. I am very pleased to offer my congratulations to Kate, Natalie, and Victoria for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge! It is my honor to represent these bright young minds in Congress.”

The students explained that their inspiration for creating the app was because mental health issues are very prevalent among their age group, many of whom have either dealt with differing mental health issues, or have friends who have dealt with them. They were inspired to help their friends and peers and make a positive difference in their lives.

How Are You? was selected from a number of entries from middle and high school students across the district. Students were invited to submit apps written in any programming language for any platform. The winner from Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol, along with other winners from across the country.

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