Tazewell, VA – Ian Rhudy, a freshman at Tazewell High School, won the Computer Science in Your Neighborhood Competition.

The competition was a joint project of the Virginia Department of Education, the Science Museum of Virginia, and CodeVA. Students were challenged to create digital products about their interest in computer science and the role it plays in their daily lives, families, and communities. There were 135 students and classes who submitted entries into the competition and winning entries were selected from each of the commonwealth’s eight regions.

Ian learned about the competition from his teacher Ms. Ingram who handed him a flyer and encouraged him to apply. He submitted a computer program that he wrote himself which allows viewers to travel with him as he showcases how he uses computer science in his daily life. Ian, who is interested in developing software after he graduates, currently knows how to write code in Trinket, Python, and HTML.

“I’m very proud of Ian and his accomplishments. I had Ian as a student at Tazewell Middle School and at Tazewell High School. Ian is an excellent example of what a student and citizen should represent. His intelligence and kindness will carry him far in life,” said Jerry Smith, Tazewell High School’s principal. 

Rhudy is currently taking a course in computer science through Virtual Virginia and is planning to take the advanced computer science course through Virtual Virginia during his junior year. He also plays soccer, and runs cross country and indoor track for Tazewell High School. For his winning entry in the competition, he will receive a certificate recognizing his achievement as well as a laptop computer provided CodeVA. 

Tazewell County Public Schools administers all public schools in Tazewell County, Virginia.