Updated: May 12
By Madison Go | Posted May 5, 2025
The Computer Science Club will stage their 8th annual hackathon on Saturday, May 31 at Montgomery High School. The free event is open to students ages 13 to 18, and includes teens from all over the state who come together to create tech projects in just one day.
Parents seeking to engage their teenagers in meaningful, hands-on learning this month need look no further than MontyHacks VIII. Teens of all abilities are welcome — no coding experience is necessary.
Those who are not tech savvy may wonder: What exactly is a hackathon? It is basically an event where folks team up with friends to create tech projects—such as apps, games, or websites—in just one day. It’s a great way to learn, build, and have fun.
The word "hackathon" was first included in American dictionaries in 1990. While most Montgomery High School students know the meaning, others may need a definition. According to Merriam-Webster, the term is a portmanteau of "hack" and "marathon," referring to an event where people work collaboratively to develop software within a specific timeframe.
The theme of this year's hackathon is "Exploration," and will offer a variety of projects to showcase. Competitors simply need to register and bring their brains, laptops, and their ambition—the Computer Science Club is providing all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), plus swag, so students can focus on coding and bringing their ideas to life.
MontyHacks VII Team. From left: Devraj Dutta, Mira Sridhar, Eesha Gadde, and Sowjanya Vinodh.
Members of the MHS Computer Science Club say:
"In today’s world, learning programming is just as valuable as reading or writing; computer science is emerging as the most in-demand field of the future. But while classrooms teach the basics, the real magic happens when students step out of lectures and into hands-on experiences—like a hackathon. At a hackathon, students don’t just practice their skills, they bring them to life. They collaborate with like-minded peers, network with tech professionals, and put their ideas to the test with projects built from scratch. Introduce prizes, swag, and it’s obvious: this is where the next generation of innovators begins."
MontyHacks VIII encourages participants to build projects that push boundaries, whether it’s in space, under the sea, or rooted in social good. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore. Competitors can work in singles or in teams, and they will be judged by a panel of experts in the tech industry. Several award opportunities will be available, including recognition for Best Beginner Team for those new to coding. Awards will also be given to the team whose project most closely aligns with the theme of exploration. All winning teams will be given prizes to celebrate their creativity and dedication.
Advertisement
The event will feature a speaker panel, where students can hear directly from innovators in the tech world. Past speakers have included professors from Princeton University and startup leaders, offering inspiration and insight into various programming pathways.
MontyHacks VIII isn’t just another Saturday: it’s a launchpad.
Register here: monty-hacks-viii-site-6wysgoief-montyhacks-projects.vercel.app.
