WKU Glasgow News
WKU in Glasgow Hosts Topper Hacks, Winners Announced
- Susan Flanders Esters
- Friday, December 6th, 2019

On Thursday, Barren County students participated in the inaugural Topper Hacks competition designed to challenge next-gen innovators and future entrepreneurs.
Students met with experts in computer science and app development, divided into teams and then were given practical scenarios that challenged them to develop solutions. Throughout the day, students competed in Web, logo and app development and participated in a BreakOut Edu digital competition.
Topper Hacks was developed through a collaboration between the WKU School of Engineering & Applied Sciences Computer Science Department, BC Skills, WKU Continuing & Professional Development, WKU in Glasgow and Appfire.
“The goal of Topper Hacks is to challenge students to think big, be creative and apply the skills they’ve learning in the classroom,” said Project Manager/BC Skills Justin Browning.
“This collaboration between WKU, BC Skills and Appfire creates an outstanding opportunity to students to not only show off their skills, but to gain practical experience in real-world scenarios,” he said.
The competition took place Thursday, December 5 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at WKU in Glasgow. Groups were selected based on a rubric provided for each category, and winners were announced Thursday night during Family Coding Night at the Innovation Zone on the BCHS campus.
Winners:
Web Development Winners
1st: Sarah Hudson, Kira Kemper, Ella Pridemore, Luke Pierce
2nd: Eva Edberg, Cameron Shores, Marley Russell Honorable Mention: AK Harper, Luke Harrell, Ella Hoggard
App Development Winners
1st: Macy Garrett, Baylor Browning, Sophia Evans, Malachi Wood
2nd: Norah Shirley, Riley Wilson, Brady Wesley
HM: Maralyn Ballard, Dalee Brooks, Kaelin Burks, Hayden Coomer
Logo/Branding Winners
1st: Alana Houchen, Ella Hoggard, Ella Pridemore, Jaylen Thomas
2nd: Shelby Byrd, Alyssa Cooper, Logan Dickerson, Luke Harrell
HM: Andrew Slinker, Leah Somerville, Andrew Torres, Hunter Sexton
Breakout EDU Winners
1st: AK Harper, Reid Hoffman, Jay Houchens
2nd: Kathryn Dooley, Leah Somerville
HM: Noah Hunt, Cameron Shores, Brady Wesley
All students were entered into a drawing for a Surface Pro and a Nintendo Switch. Surface Pro winners were Riley Wilson and Tayler Gray. Reid Hoffman won the Nintendo Switch.
“We welcome the chance to work with local schools to help students develop their skills for future employment,” said Derek Olive, director of WKU Continuing & Professional Development.
“Topper Hacks was an excellent opportunity to pool our resources and develop a fun, educational competition that challenged students to think big.”
Olive said that they hope Topper Hacks will pave the way for other similar events throughout WKU regional locations.
For more information about WKU Continuing & Professional Development, visit wku.edu/cpd. To learn more about BC Skills, visit their website.
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