Friday, March 29, 2024

NCW Tech Alliance Recognizes CHS Senior Quentin Farrell and Other Local Technology Leaders

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On September 21st, NCW Tech Alliance held its annual Innovator Awards luncheon at the Wenatchee Convention Center, bringing together over 250 people to celebrate local individuals and companies that have demonstrated innovation, vision, and leadership in the use of technology.

This was the 21st annual Innovator Awards luncheon, and over the years they’ve honored over 100 individuals and organizations. NCW Tech Alliance is a nonprofit with a mission, “to bring people and technology resources together to create a thriving community.”

The five categories included Newcomer in Technology, Entrepreneur of the Year, Future Technology Leader of the Year, STEM College Student Innovator of the Year and STEM Champion of the Year.

The latter three categories are education-related, recognizing a K-12 student, a college student, and an educator, respectively, and all three of these category winners receive scholarships to be applied to educational pursuits.

Quentin Farrell, a Cascade High School senior, was nominated and announced a Future Technology Leader of the Year finalist. Farrell is the first ever student from the Cascade School District (CSD) to be recognized. He attended the luncheon accompanied by his family. From CSD, Superintendent Tracey Beckendorf-Edou, CHS Principal Rudy Joya, CSD School Board member, Cyndi Garza and CHS math and science teacher Dayle Massey also attended in support of Farrell.

The other finalists included Abrielle Harris from Pinnacle Prep who was designing a musical glove for children with cerebral palsy and Christian Keller, who made short videos with messages about mental health.

Farrell’s passion for technology centers around computer coding. He has combined a love for the popular computer game Minecraft with self-taught coding skills to develop his own Modpack, which adds new features to the game. In the process, he’s become a contributor and mentor to 5000 Modpack developers via an online forum.

Farrell talked about how he developed his coding capabilities. “Being a member of the forum is really helpful because the projects are open source,” he said. “Anyone can look at the code, and anyone can become a developer. The top users provide a lot of support to those of us trying new things with our coding. I can ask a question and experts explain the logic behind the code. Then I can pass my knowledge on to others.”

Representatives from business sponsor Equilus introduced the three finalists in Farrell’s category. They spoke of how all three are smart, creative and tech savvy with a bright future ahead.

Farrell was thrilled when his name was called as the winner. On stage he received a trophy and gave a short speech thanking the NCW Tech Alliance for the opportunity and all the people, and teachers in particular, who have helped develop his love of math, science and technology. He also received a $1500 scholarship to apply to his future college expenses.

“It was fun to meet people who are also really passionate about technology,” Farrell said about the event. “When my name was called, I was really happy. I wasn’t expecting it. I realized other people think Minecraft is cool as well.”

When asked to further explain his passion for computer science, Farrell said, “I like coding because I can take things I know and love and make them better or create new things. It’s not simply translation from English to a computer language; you have to explain every step to reach the final product.

“After you get code that works, then it’s about making it efficient, modular, and readable. The first idea might not be right one, and you keep brainstorming. It’s satisfying when you’re done and have made something that started as an idea.”


 

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