Go ESM! Spotlighting a Congressional App Challenge Winner and World Read Aloud Day Participants


Eastport-South Manor Jr.-Sr. High School students shared their favorite books with elementary school students on World Read Aloud Day. | Eastport-South Manor Central School District

A South Shore school district that regularly sits amongst the most actively involved features many esteemed members raking in countless achievements this month.

One such standout student is Trevor Flores, of Eastport-South Manor (ESM) Jr.-Sr. High School. He was crowned the victor of the annual 2024 Congressional App Challenge in New York’s Second District, which is represented by Andrew Garbarino. 

This unique contest is an official initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives wherein congressional members host competitions. These face-offs take place within their respective districts, and are designed to encourage participating students to hone in on their coding skills and overall computer science aspirations. 

Needless to say, but we’ll say it anyway, Flores’ app, Seandertal, placed him far past the rest. The Roblox Lua-based survival game requires players to dodge objects to the beat of a song, perfectly bringing together his passions for programming and music. 

While Flores’ game successfully sought to impress local government members currently employed to make a national influence, fellow ESM upperclassmen banded together to cast their influence onto their younger counterparts within the district. 

On Feb. 7th, English Honor Society members shared their favorite books with Dayton Avenue, Eastport, Tuttle Avenue, and South Street Elementary School Students in honor of “World Read Aloud Day.”

The national day of celebrating the power of reading encourages people across the world to read aloud together and share stories to advocate for literature and the written word. 

Moreover, ESM’s state student volunteers also took the time to encourage and assist the young students in conceiving, writing and illustrating their own stories. 

The Sharks are not the only school district collective to partake in these activities. However, their efforts demonstrate how a child’s sense of community can be enhanced and life can be enriched not just in traditional expressive arenas such as in sports or on the stage. 

The South Shore—Long Island in general—is rife with school districts keen on adapting to the digital times, while also focusing on preserving traditional institutions. 

The earlier one embraces reading, the more possibilities open up for them in the near future.

They may even become an award-winning computer programmer by the time they finish their grade school studies.

Organizations Included in this History


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