North Royalton City Schools is proud to announce that North Royalton High School ninth grader Shiva Pasupathy earned top honors in the 2025 TECH CORPS Hackathon, a statewide mobile app development competition that drew nearly 300 high school students from across Ohio. The Cleveland and Elyria events were held on November 8, with the Columbus Hackathon following on November 15.
During the nine-hour challenge, students were tasked with designing and building a mobile application inspired by one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The competition encourages young innovators to explore how technology can strengthen communities and contribute to a better world.
Shiva, competing as part of Team Teriyaki, developed an app aimed at helping individuals connect with their community and easily access local support resources. His creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork earned him regional winner status and a $200 digital gift card.
Throughout the event, students collaborated with peers and received guidance from more than 90 logistics and technology volunteers, judges, and industry professionals. Participants enhanced their coding, communication, and presentation abilities while gaining valuable exposure to real-world technology careers.
“Seeing Ohio students take on real challenges and create innovative solutions reminds us why this work matters,” said Lisa M. Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of TECH CORPS. “Our Hackathon winners demonstrated confidence, skill, and imagination. We are grateful to the school districts that motivate students to stretch their abilities and pursue new skills.”
Shiva will be recognized at the TECH CORPS Hackathon Recognition Event on December 10, a celebration that highlights the remarkable talent rising from North Royalton City Schools. This honor reflects the district’s commitment to providing meaningful technology experiences that empower students to develop the skills, confidence, and pathways needed for future opportunities.
TECH CORPS is a national nonprofit organization that delivers meaningful, career-connected technology programs to K–12 students and educators. Founded in 1995, TECH CORPS imagines a world where every student has the skills, confidence, and opportunities to unlock the door to a successful future.
Shiva Pasupathy is on the far right.