For Zennon Melnyk’s senior project at McKinley Technology High School, he created a virtual reality game to help encourage people to explore the field of computer science. This project is the culmination of his study at McKinley Tech, but only the beginning of Zennon’s exploration of this subject that he says is “a lot of fun.” This fall, Zennon will enroll in Stanford University where he plans on majoring in computer science. After graduation, he plans on becoming a video game designer because he is interested in how the profession combines technology and creativity. During his time at McKinley, Zennon has been the head programmer for the robotics team and competed in nationals for LifeSmarts trivia, a competition that prepares students to enter adulthood as informed consumers. Zennon has also been involved in the DC Youth Orchestra for 11 years as a percussionist, a passion that began when his music teacher at Shepherd Elementary School encouraged him to apply. Zennon says the school has given him an opportunity to access and experiment with many different types of technology within a “supportive community.” Looking back on his time at McKinley Tech, he says that he has been surrounded by teachers and counselors who have supported his success. “I realize how much people were willing to help.” #DCPSGoesToCollege
