Congratulations to senior Emma Lopez on receiving the 2025 Aspirations in Computing National Award from the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)!
Emma is one of just 40 students from across the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and overseas military bases to earn this prestigious recognition. The award honors juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and passion for technology.
As part of the application process, Emma submitted three essay supplements, where she wrote about her interest in computer science and the real-world problems she hopes to solve through technology. While this is her first national-level NCWIT award, she has been recognized at the Northern Illinois level for the past three years.
“I’m just really proud of Emma because she has worked, literally, from junior high on—not just to win an award but to grow her knowledge and passion for technology and computer science,” said computer science teacher Ms. Czajka. “And it’s not just about what she’s learned in class. It’s about how much work she does above and beyond.”
Emma will be honored at the National Award Event in Charlotte, NC, from February 28 to March 2, 2025.
