Press Releases

Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today announced the winner of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for her district: Falmouth High School freshman Victoria Wahlig. Victoria’s app “Seal of Approval” is an interactive, fun way to learn eco-friendly boating practices through quizzes. 

“The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity for Maine students to showcase their technological skills and creativity. Each year, I’m impressed by Maine students’ creations,” said Pingree. “Ms. Wahlig confronted the worsening crisis of ocean pollution and took matters into her own hands to raise awareness and promote sustainable boating practices. Her app, Seal of Approval, is imaginative, well thought out, and will help people on the water make more eco-friendly decisions. Congratulations to Victoria Wahlig on winning the 2022 Congressional App Challenge for Maine’s First District.” 

Victoria, a lifelong sailor, said in her submission she was inspired to create the app after noticing more and more pollution on beaches and in the ocean, and seeing first-hand examples of recreational boaters using practices that are harmful to the environment. 

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition created in 2013 by leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and at the Internet Education Foundation who sought to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM. The Congressional App Challenge seeks to encourage middle and high school students to pursue careers in tech through a nationwide coding challenge. 

“I wanted to create an easy, fun way to teach boaters about clean boating practices. Sometimes all the rules and regulations, just in a packet or website, can be overwhelming and boring,” Victoria said in her submission. “By keeping things engaging and giving motivation to get to the end goal (the Seal of Approval), the app teaches you without you realizing you're being taught. I want to show people that conservation doesn't have to be hard, boring, or unattainable. Even by taking a quiz, you can change parts of your life and make a lasting impact on the environment.”

Every year, Members of Congress challenge students in their districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the competition. Winning apps from each district will be displayed and recognized at an event in Washington, D.C. this spring.

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