Waldport Student Awarded

Waldport High School senior Skye Cluster has been honored with the prestigious National

Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award. This award recognizes 9th-12th grade women, genderqueer, and non-binary students for their computing-related achievements and interests, as well as their aspirations to pursue a future in technology. Cluster's journey into the world of computer science began in the 7th grade when she coded her first game, an electronic version of Truth or Dare. Her passion for technology has only grown since then, with Cluster continuing to develop online games and websites for fun, utilizing Scratch — a free, online platform designed to teach the

basics of programming to young learners.

After transferring to Waldport High School in October of 2022, Cluster eagerly enrolled in the AP computer science class and quickly thrived in the class. "I learned how to integrate circuit playgrounds into snap bracelets and even created a sound-activated scream canister from Monsters, Inc.," she shared, highlighting her innovative projects that blend creativity with technology. Cluster also worked with Oregon State University and her computer science teacher Philip Reed to host a summer camp that aimed to involve more females and minorities to try computer science. “It was fun showing people skills that are very simple and often useful,” she said. “I know a couple of those students who enjoy it now who thought

they never would.”

Motivated by her passion and recognizing her potential, Cluster applied for the NCWIT AiC Award last fall. “Winning this award shows me that it's not just a silly hobby and that it is so much more than just coding a game on Scratch,” Cluster remarked. “You can be very successful and go many different directions with it.” Her aspirations don't stop at technology; she is also considering attending community college before pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism, with thoughts of becoming a reporter or starting her own newspaper. Additionally,

she hopes to continue her engagement with digital art and coding, possibly returning to earn a degree in education in the future.

Reed expressed immense pride in her accomplishments. "Skye's achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for her peers and future generations at Waldport High and beyond," Reed said. “The school and community celebrateSk ye's well-deserved recognition and eagerly anticipate her future contributions to technology and society.”