Hoboken High School Students Shine at Stevens Institute of Technology Hackathon, Showcasing Innovation and Problem-Solving Skills
Hoboken High School Students Shine at Stevens Institute of Technology Hackathon, Showcasing Innovation and Problem-Solving Skills
Hoboken, NJ – Hoboken High School students demonstrated their remarkable creativity, critical thinking, and technical expertise at the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology Hackathon, an intense 24-hour coding challenge that brings together high school and college students to develop real-world solutions through technology. Competing against undergraduate students and fellow high school teams, two groups from Hoboken High School put their skills to the test, with one team earning an impressive third-place finish among ten highly competitive teams.
The Stevens Hackathon is more than just a competition—it is an immersive learning experience that challenges students to collaborate, think critically, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. Events like these provide young minds with opportunities to tackle authentic challenges, strengthen their teamwork and leadership abilities, and gain exposure to cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. By participating, students develop a mindset of innovation and resilience, preparing them for success in college and future careers.
Hoboken High School’s Award-Winning Team and Project
One of Hoboken High School’s standout teams—composed of Ethan Sikernitsky, Yuval Segall, Evan Perez, and Truman Pilsner—secured third place, an outstanding achievement given the competition included college-level participants. Their performance reflects the high level of preparation, problem-solving abilities, and technical acumen fostered at Hoboken High School.
For their project, the team designed and developed "Research Assistant," a web-based tool designed to combat misinformation. This application allows users to input a link and receive an instant assessment of its credibility, serving as a valuable resource for fact-checking and digital literacy. Working tirelessly through the night, the students further enhanced their project by integrating an AI-powered feature that analyzes and answers questions about the submitted article, making the tool even more powerful and user-friendly.
"Providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world situations is crucial to their academic and professional growth," said Robin Piccapietra, Principal of Hoboken High School. "Experiences like the Stevens Hackathon teach students how to solve problems under pressure, collaborate effectively, and leverage technology to create solutions that have real-world impact. Their success at this competition proves that Hoboken students can compete at the highest levels and thrive in the fast-paced, technology-driven world."
Why Hands-On STEM Experiences Matter
Participation in STEM-focused competitions and hackathons plays a vital role in preparing students for 21st-century careers. These experiences offer students:
- Hands-on application of coding and problem-solving skills, reinforcing classroom learning in real-world scenarios.
- Opportunities to collaborate with peers and industry professionals, fostering teamwork and networking skills.
- Exposure to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, web development, and cybersecurity.
- Confidence-building experiences, helping students see themselves as capable of innovating and excelling in STEM fields.
With industries increasingly reliant on technological advancements, it is essential for students to gain early exposure to coding, data science, and computational thinking. By taking part in competitions like the Stevens Hackathon, Hoboken High School students are not just learning—they are preparing for the future.
Hoboken High School Participants at the Stevens Hackathon
The following Hoboken High School students demonstrated their dedication and ingenuity at the event:
- Ethan Sikernitsky
- Truman Pilsner
- Evan Perez
- Yuval Segall
- Addison Rumph
- Jenna Sirio
- Emma Van Handle
- Amelie Cademartori
Congratulations to all participants for their hard work, innovation, and outstanding achievements!
About Stevens Institute of Technology
Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology is a nationally recognized private research university known for its cutting-edge engineering, science, and technology-driven business programs. Founded in 1870, it is one of the oldest technological universities in the United States, offering rigorous academic programs and real-world research opportunities that prepare students for success in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and cybersecurity.
The Stevens Hackathon is an annual competition designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement among students at all levels, providing them with an opportunity to develop real-world applications that address pressing societal challenges.
For more information about Stevens Institute of Technology, visit www.stevens.edu.
About Hoboken High School
Hoboken High School is a vibrant and academically rigorous public high school serving students in grades 9-12 in Hoboken, New Jersey. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive, well-rounded education, preparing students for both higher education and career success. With a strong emphasis on STEM, humanities, athletics, and extracurricular engagement, Hoboken High School provides students with a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation, leadership, and community involvement.
For more information about Hoboken High School, visit www.hoboken.k12.nj.us.