New Manchester Teens Finalists In Game Design Competition

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA -- Two New Manchester High School students hope to change the future of game design in a nationwide game design competition. Sophomores Tyreke Williams and Khalil Skelton have advanced as finalists in the Games for Change Student Challenge.

Games for Change is a national organization that supports STEM activities by teaching game design. During a yearlong competition, Williams and Skelton used software coding skills to create an original, playable video game called Sunlight Drive. The two designed Sunlight Drive to communicate important messages and issues affecting their communities. Because of their accomplishment, the Georgia Tech Research Institute will recognize Williams and Skelton at a ceremony May 19 at Georgia Tech. The pair will then go on to compete for $1,000 in scholarship money.

To prepare for competition, Georgia Tech provided professional development to teachers and a curriculum for students to follow. Their mentors, Victorine Shaw, Science, and Milton Stephenson, Math, guided them and other students on their journey through after-school mentoring and game making courses.

Shaw said she is excited to teach students skills they can apply in any future career.

“I am thrilled that Georgia Tech has provided the opportunity to implement this program in the Douglas County School System. It is exciting to teach coding and game design, two marketable skills that will prepare them for college and the workforce,” she said.

Williams, Shelton and other finalists will receive prizes for their work during the Georgia Tech awards ceremony. The winners will receive national recognition and scholarships provided by Take-Two Interactive.