First Annual Hour of Code

Almost 70 SMN students gathered in the Learning Commons on Feb. 2 to take part in the school’s first annual Hour of Code.
During the Hour of Code, which took place during seminar, students were introduced to the basics of coding and graphic design through a variety of hands-on activities and presentations.
“It’s an opportunity for students who don’t know how coding works to experience it firsthand,” programming teacher Charles Harrelson said. “The idea is to show them how we can do graphics and give different instructions to the computer to control it.”
While everyone was encouraged to come, girls especially were urged to participate.
“There’s typically an image associated with coding, that girls aren’t supposed to sign up for that kind of class,” graphic design teacher Lorie Blevins said. “Part of the Hour of Code event is showing kids that coding is for everyone.”
Students of Harrelson and Blevins were also involved, helping their peers through basic coding tutorials.
“My class is going to be in the library helping out and answering any questions anyone has,” sophomore and programming student Stone Hobbs said. “Knowing how to code is something that has applications in a lot of occupations and it’s important to learn.”
After the strong turnout for the first annual Hour of the Code the teachers who put it together can’t wait till next year.
“It was an awesome experience. So many girls showed up,” Blevins said. “It turned out really good, I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

story by Grace Altenhofen/Caylee Harder