Coding is a skill that is often underappreciated for its potential and overlooked as just a hobby. But that’s not the case, and Salesianum presents these skills in its second annual Hackathon. The Hackathon is an all-day event where students show off their talents and abilities in an action-packed competition full of creativity and fun. This event is a great opportunity for learning and growth as more experienced students come to help other competitors hone their craft.

But learning code isn’t the only benefit of this event. They also focus on using this code for a good cause. The participants use their skills to create a project that helps improve the planet. This year, the prompt is for students to find innovative ways to help reduce the ecological footprint of humans. The most efficient, creative, and sustainable method wins. Promoting not only the great ideas of others but also making the environment healthier.

Computer Honor Society President Andrew Castellano, who was responsible for planning and implementing this event, spoke about the competition’s intentions. He says, “The main focus of the hackathon is to ignite innovation among high school students. SalsHacks is all about innovation. At SalsHacks, students come together and create innovative and creative technological solutions that address a problem in the world.”

Castellano also stresses the importance of meeting new people who have similar interests to their own. He adds, “Most people at Sallies are involved with some sort of sport, so this hackathon allowed me to meet other students like myself, which I would have never met before if it weren’t for the Hackathon.”

1. What’s your role in the event?

I am the president of the Computer Honor Society, which means I oversee and manage the planning of the Hackathon. Planning consists of building the website, contacting schools, creating a schedule, setting up workshops, etc.

2. What is the main focus of the Hackathon, and is there a secondary focus?

The main focus of the hackathon is to ignite innovation among high school students. SalsHacks is all about innovation. At SalsHacks, students come together and create innovative and creative technological solutions that address a problem in the world. Although the solution has to be technological, participants can create a presentation or pitch about their ideas. That way, everyone has an equal and fair shot at being successful.

A secondary focus of the Hackathon I would say, is getting to meet other like-minded students in your area. I attended my first hackathon in New Jersey during my sophomore year. This hackathon was open to middle and high school students, similar to ours. Unfortunately, I did not win, but the relationships I formed during the event definitely made up for it. Before this hackathon, I did not really know anyone else who was interested in technology and innovation. Most people at Sallies are involved with some sort of sport, so this hackathon gave me the opportunity to meet other students like myself, which I would have never met before if it weren’t for the hackathon. A common misconception about our hackathon, SalsHacks, is that you need to know how to code in order to participate in it. I cannot emphasize enough how far from the truth that is.

3. How long has it been going on for?

This year will be our second annual hackathon. We plan to continue this event as long as Salesianum stands. The Computer Honor Society is in charge of planning and organizing the event.