Deep Run HS students win First District Congressional App Challenge

TroopCompanion, a mobile app developed by students Faribah Nuha, Jay Chauhan, Obaloluwa Ogunade, and Jack Gardner of Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, recently won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Virginia’s First District.

U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman, who represents the district, made the announcement in December.

TroopCompanion provides mental health resources to veterans by utilizing the latest AI technology. The software has the capability to close gaps in mental health access by offering essential services — such as assistive AI, a medical appointment tracker, mental health hotline numbers, recommended breathing exercises, and more — at the click of a button. 

“The TroopCompanion app creates 24/7 access to personalized mental health resources for our veteran populations," said Wittman. “What these students have been able to accomplish is remarkable.”

The winning app will be eligible for display in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website. The students also will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception this spring in Washington, D.C., where winners from across the nation will showcase their projects.

The Congressional App Challenge is designed to encourage students’ participation in science, technology, engineering and math education fields. The nationwide event allows middle and high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.