Union Students 'Best In State' For Community-Focused App Concept

A team of Union seventh grade girls has already been named ‘Best in the State’ for an app concept they created in a contest sponsored by Verizon.

Now, teacher Tiffany Bolding and students Ashley De’Arman, Shelby Bearden, Cora Spatz, Michal Harris and Kaylynn Stalcup need a little help from the rest of us to take the next step.

Bolding said the contest was to, “Have them come up with an app that was based for the community," and then design it.

They started back in September, brainstorming ideas.

"Some kids don't know when their next meal is gonna happen or when they’re gonna get a clean pair of clothing," they explained.

So, they came up with five basic needs - food, shelter, medical, clothing and utilities - and surveyed the students. The results were a surprise; they said they knew it was a problem, but it was bigger than they thought.

More than half the students said access to one or more of those basic needs was a regular problem. So, the group set about designing their app.

To use it, you put in your zip code so the app knows where you are.

They explain, “You'd pick a category - like if you needed food, the app would show you the nearest food banks."

Then it would give you directions on how to get there.

The Verizon folks thought it was a great idea. They go “Best in the State,” the school $10,000 and each of them gets a tablet.

There is a national online fan favorite contest, and if they win, they can get the app actually produced. You can vote for them here.