Patapsco High Student Recognized for Computing Skills

Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts student Alison McGuire has been named a runner-up for a statewide computing award.

McGuire received the recognition in the 2013 Maryland NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing, according to a statement from the school.

The award, sponsored by Microsoft, Motorola Solutions Foundation and the National Center for Women and Information Technology, recognizes high school girls "for their computing-related achievements and interests as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology," according to the statement.

Nineteen award winners and 33 runners-up from Maryland high schools were chosen for their "outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education," according to school officials.

"Patapsco and the entire Dundalk community are proud of Alison and her accomplishment," Patapsco Principal Ryan Imbriale said in the statement. "It's essential that all students are globally competitive graduates. Organizations like NCWIT support our efforts by focusing attention on the need to have more females in the information technology field."

CEO and cofounder Lucy Sanders said in the statement that encouraging young women to pursue careers in information technology is "critical."

"Our workforce needs their creativity and their innovation," Sanders said of girls and young women interested in the field of information technology.