Thompson honors Nichols Middle students for winning Congressional App Challenge

Special to The Canton News 

Congressman Bennie Thompson visited Nichols Middle School to recognize three students who won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge.

LyNiah Henderson, Jalore Myles and Tristian Brown were honored for developing Mental Moji, an app created during the summer through the Tougaloo Talent Search STEM Program. The app is designed to help students regulate their emotions before reacting negatively in challenging situations.

Mental Moji also provides users with access to professional contacts and community resources to help address personal and emotional concerns.

School officials expressed appreciation for the Tougaloo Talent Search STEM Program for its role in supporting students’ academic and personal growth.

Special recognition was given to Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington, a former Canton Public School District Teacher of the Year and current assistant director at Tougaloo, for her continued commitment to student success.