Programming Contest Goes Virtual
We know Knights are generous and actively support their local communities and UCF, so in support of #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day to celebrate the creative ways humankind has been helping each other during the pandemic, we asked the Knights community to share positive stories of themselves or other Knights and how they’re exemplifying community service during the global pandemic. And Knight Nation delivered!
Here is the story of alumnus Kyle Dencker ’08 ’16MA:
“I am a high school computer science teacher at Timber Creek High School, and I am frustrated with all the lost opportunities for our students. We had competitions, and events cancelled beyond the normal graduation things. With the cancellation of an event that my students were looking for, I decided to contact my friends at UCF to see if they could help me plan a contest for the end of the year. Luckily they volunteered to help!
This past Saturday (May 2, 2020), the Florida High School Programming Series hosted 382 students grades 6-12 from 18 different states and 3 countries. It gave students a chance to showcase the skills they learned this year by solving real world programming problems. They were given four hours to solve as many problems as they can. In addition, this will help them prepare for other contests next year such as the UCF High School Programming Tournament next March or the Online Edition in December.
Our team is made of me (UCF Alumus ’08, ’16), Arup Guha (UCF Faculty), Glenn Martin (UCF Faculty) and Sharon Barak (Current UCF Student, Timber Creek High School Alumnus). With the expection of me, the others are all coaches or members of the UCF Programming Team. You can find more information at FHSPS.com“
While we are inspired by these generous acts of kindness shared with us, we hope it inspires you make a positive change in the lives of others. You can show your generosity in a variety of ways during #GivingTuesdayNow, whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill or giving to causes. Every act of compassions counts.
If you feel compelled to support the UCF community during this time, there are various ways to get involved:
- Make a gift to support student scholarships or faculty research
- Write a note of appreciation to a Knight Nurse
- Attend a virtual event
- Sign up to be a volunteer with UCF Alumni
- Donate non-perishables to the Knights Helping Knights Pantry (Pantries located on the main campus, Rosen campus and Medical City).
