HERMISTON, Ore.-A Hermiston High School student has been named the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for Oregon’s Second District, which covers most of Eastern Oregon, including Umatilla and Morrow Counties.
U.S. Representative Cliff Bentz named Sebastian Booth the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for his app WorldWatch+, an interactive platform that enables users to follow real-time global events, including natural disasters and major world developments, promoting awareness and preparedness, according to the Hermiston School District (HSD).
“I created this app because I find it fascinating to see natural events happening across the world in real time,” said Booth. “I want people to be more aware of what’s going on globally and understand the importance of being prepared for any kind of disaster.”
The U.S. House of Representatives launched the Congressional App Challenge in 2015 to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. The bipartisan app challenge is a public-private partnership funded in part by the Broadcom Foundation, AWS, Infosys Foundation USA, theCoderSchool, Apple, and others.
The app challenge allows students in participating congressional districts to compete by creating apps for mobile, tablet or computer devices. Over 13,800 students across the country competed in the app challenge this year, submitting 4,600 apps.
“Sebastian has shown great skill in using technology to solve real world problems, I knew he would excel at this as well,” said Hermiston High School Computer Science teacher Robert Theriault, who encouraged Booth to enter the app challenge.
Booth’s win is a testament to his dedication and vision, as well as Hermiston High School’s STEM programs, which empower students to turn curiosity into real-world innovation, according to the HSD.
As Oregon’s second district winner, Sebastian will present WorldWatch+ at the annual #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill, and will have the opportunity to present his work to Members of Congress and technology leaders.
Pre-registration for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge, which starts in May, is now open.
