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Hermiston Today
By the People, for the People
Hermiston Student Wins 2nd District 2025 Congressional App Challenge
Sebastian Booth's WorldWatch+ app tracks global events and disasters in real time.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Hermiston High School student Sebastian Booth has been named the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Oregon's Second Congressional District. Booth's app, WorldWatch+, allows users to track global events and natural disasters in real time. More than 13,800 students competed nationwide, with over 4,600 submissions in Bentz's district alone.
Why it matters
The Congressional App Challenge aims to inspire students to learn coding and computer science skills. Booth's achievement highlights the strength of the STEM programs at Hermiston High School and the importance of preparing young people to solve real-world problems using technology.
The details
Booth's app, WorldWatch+, provides users with up-to-date information on global events and natural disasters. The app was selected as the winner by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) and will be showcased at the annual #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill this spring. Booth will present his app to technology leaders and other members of Congress at the STEM Expo, which is the national science fair.
- Booth was named the 2025 Congressional App Challenge winner for Oregon's Second Congressional District.
- Booth will present WorldWatch+ at the annual #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill this spring.
The players
Sebastian Booth
A student at Hermiston High School who won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Oregon's Second Congressional District with his app, WorldWatch+.
Rep. Cliff Bentz
The Republican representative for Oregon's Second Congressional District, who selected Booth's app as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.
Robert Theriault
A computer science teacher at Hermiston High School who said Booth has shown great skill in using technology to solve real-world problems.
What they’re saying
“I want people to be more aware of what's going on globally and understand the importance of being prepared for any kind of disaster.”
— Sebastian Booth (elkhornmediagroup.com)
“Sebastian has shown great skill in using technology to solve real world problems. I knew he would excel at this as well.”
— Robert Theriault, computer science teacher (elkhornmediagroup.com)
What’s next
Booth will present WorldWatch+ at the annual #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill this spring, where technology leaders and other members of Congress can witness his presentation at the STEM Expo.
The takeaway
Booth's achievement in winning the 2025 Congressional App Challenge highlights the strength of the STEM programs at Hermiston High School and the importance of preparing young people to use technology to solve real-world problems. His app, WorldWatch+, demonstrates the potential for innovative student-developed applications to increase global awareness and disaster preparedness.
