Sisters in STEM, pictured from left: Emma Fancher, Phoebe Abbruzzese, Paige Barrett and Claire Russell
S.W.A.M.P., top row from left: Tyler Sharp and Ryan Prudente; bottom row: Luke Williamson, Kyle Armstrong and Noah Mariotti
Two Skyview High School student-created video games have been recognized for excellence in the Oregon Game Project Challenge, a competition for middle and high school students.
Emma Fancher, Phoebe Abbruzzese, Paige Barrett and Claire Russell—team Sisters in STEM—were honored for Diver City. The game challenges players to save the ocean by swimming and picking up as much trash as possible. Judges praised the promotional artwork, vision for the game and execution of the concept.
Team S.W.A.M.P.’s Robovania explores a world fled by humans and controlled by robots. Created by Tyler Sharp, Luke Williamson, Kyle Armstrong, Noah Mariotti and Ryan Prudente, the game was recognized for the creators’ attention to detail and thoughtful approach to different gameplay elements.
Only one other game from another high school earned a Recognition of Excellence.
The students, all from Skyview’s Science, Math and Technology Magnet Program, began working on their games last fall. The teams met weekly to design, develop and market their concepts, even after schools transitioned to remote learning.
The teams’ advisers were teachers Kim Hansen and Kurt Schmidt, with volunteers Darrell Quick and Mike Kinney.