Cobb Reporter

The Georgia Student Technology Competition's state finals took place on March 1, showcasing the talents of students from across the state. Open to 3rd through 12th-grade students, this event represents the pinnacle of student technology competitions in Georgia. With over 900 projects submitted by more than 1,000 students, competition was intense.

Students from Cobb County made a strong showing at the event. After advancing past regional rounds where only first-place winners could qualify for state finals, Cobb had 13 contenders compete at the state level. Of these, six emerged victorious in their respective categories: Animation, Digital Game Design, Graphic Design, Mobile Apps, Productivity Design, and Video Production.

Among them was Rohit Anand, a fifth-grader at East Side Elementary School. He won first place in the Mobile Applications category for grades five and six with an app that employs machine learning to assess emotional states and provides AI-based interaction as support. His mother expressed her pride: "We are delighted that Rohit was able to win this award representing East Side Elementary and Cobb School District." She noted that the selection process was rigorous and highly competitive with about 8,000 participants statewide.

Maria Clark, principal of East Side Elementary School where Rohit studies, also shared her enthusiasm: "We are so proud of Rohit for this recognition. What a wonderful invention that could positively impact our community and nation."

Other district winners included Mira Ballantyne from Campbell High School in Animation for ninth and tenth graders; Colton Gilmore from Mabry Middle School in Digital Game Design for seventh and eighth graders; Laura Oubre from Kennesaw Mountain High School in Graphic Design for eleventh and twelfth graders; Nora Regan from Sope Creek Elementary School in Productivity Design for third and fourth graders; and Samarth Sehgal from Sope Creek Elementary School in Video Production for fifth and sixth graders.