In a remarkable feat of skill and determination, 11-year-old Dominic Darby, a bright student hailing from St. Catherine, Jamaica, has emerged victorious in the prestigious XPRIZE Connect Code Games competition. Facing stiff competition from over 3,000 participants worldwide, Darby’s innovative video game secured him a place among the 17 winners of this global challenge.
Sponsored by the California-based non-profit organization XPRIZE, in collaboration with video game developer E-Line Media and backed by Endless Network, the competition aims to harness the power of technology to enhance lives. Dominic Darby’s achievement was not only recognized with the title of “Best in Class” but also came with a well-deserved $1,000 cash prize in the Junior Division.
Darby’s winning creation, titled “How to Fall,” was crafted using MIT’s Scratch coding software. This captivating game involves guiding a character through multiple levels while navigating various obstacles. Impressively, this project marked Darby’s inaugural foray into the realm of video game development, a testament to his prodigious talent and commitment.
Dominic Darby’s journey into coding began at the age of six when he first encountered MIT’s Scratch coding software during a summer program at the University of the West Indies. While partly self-taught through avid reading and YouTube tutorials, Darby’s passion for coding has been a driving force in his educational pursuits.
Despite his young age, Darby is already making waves not only as a coding prodigy but also as a dedicated student at Wolmer’s Preparatory School. Beyond his coding endeavors, he enjoys immersing himself in popular games like Minecraft and Roblox, along with engaging in sports like chess and tennis.
Looking ahead, Dominic Darby harbors aspirations of studying computer science and forging a career in the field. His achievement in the XPRIZE Connect Code Games competition serves as an inspiring example, proving that age is no barrier to making a significant impact on the global stage. As Darby reflects on his win, he expressed, “This is my first time entering an international competition, and to win it feels amazing.” With a bright future ahead, Dominic Darby is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of coding and technology.
In a remarkable achievement that underscores the prowess of young talent in the field of technology, Ifechukwudeni “Teddy” Oweh, a 16-year-old Nigerian computer science major at Tarleton State University, has secured a groundbreaking four-month software engineering internship at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters in California. This internship not only marks a significant milestone for Teddy but also stands as the first of its kind for Tarleton State University.
Teddy’s journey to Apple’s prestigious internship began in Nigeria, where he graduated from high school at the age of 14. After a productive gap year working for software companies and honing his coding skills, he embarked on a new chapter in the United States to pursue his bachelor’s degree.
Arriving at Tarleton State in spring 2022, Teddy found the academic rigor and cutting-edge discovery at the Mayfield College of Engineering to be compelling. His passion for artificial intelligence was further fueled by courses in this dynamic field, making Tarleton an obvious choice for his higher education.
The exceptional teenager, who turns 17 shortly after joining Apple, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to various academic and extracurricular pursuits. Teddy has engaged in extensive research in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, exploring algorithms for machine learning models. His involvement in disease spread analysis, differential equations, and computational modeling showcases his interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving.
As the President of the Tarleton Computer Society and a key member of the Tarleton Aeronautical and Rocketry Team, Teddy has demonstrated leadership and expertise beyond his years. His commitment to excellence extends to serving as a payload engineer for the rocketry team and active participation in the Student Government Association. Click here to continue reading about Teddy’s story.
