TCC’s Coding Competition: Teams Showcase Skill and Collaboration

Tidewater Community College held a Coding Competition on Saturday, March 29, in the Virginia Beach Campus’s Advanced Technology Center. TCC’s Business, Computer Science & IT Pathway sponsored the competition which brought together 18 students from a pool of 28 registrants. With six teams of three students each, the competition tested their skills in solving complex algorithmic computer programming problems, simulating the challenges typically encountered in both academic courses and real-world software development jobs.

TCC’s Computer Science faculty— Scott Davis, Stephen Harris, and Jared Oliverio—organized and launched the event. The faculty members designed the Competition to improve students’ problem-solving abilities while fostering teamwork. Each team was tasked with solving a series of algorithmic challenges that ranged from beginner-level to advanced. The problems required participants to demonstrate their knowledge of various programming languages, including Python and Java. The competition also mirrored the types of puzzles one might face in software developer interviews, with minimal support documentation and restrictions on using Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that offer code assistance. This unique structure ensured the focus remained on raw programming skills, teamwork, and the ability to think critically under pressure.

According to Cassandra Small, a Computer Science Program Coordinator at TCC, students honed their group programming skills, learning how to collaborate effectively and approach problems from multiple perspectives throughout the event.

“The challenges provided invaluable experience for future academic or professional endeavors, as many students in the competition expressed their excitement about the learning process,” Small said.

Small noted that while most of the winners were Computer Science majors, some of the winners were Dual Enrollment and Information Technology.

Jayden Zuniga, Todbukh Burged, and David Holloway won first place by dazzling the judges with their ability to tackle the most complex problems with remarkable speed and precision. Their collaboration and technical prowess set them apart from the other teams, earning them the top spot.

Maksim Karavaev, Travis Wiggins, and Ethen Carter earned second place, displaying exemplary teamwork and creative approaches to solving some of the more difficult challenges. Their strong problem-solving strategies earned them a well-deserved second position.

Aria Celik, Myriam Gallant, and Makayla Hawkins took third place. They demonstrated solid technical skills and a great ability to adapt to the challenges as the competition progressed.

“Many of these students transfer to four-year institutions and pursue other technology degrees. Some may immediately begin seeking positions in the field of technology, but it all depends on the student’s career goals,” Small said.

The Computers for Success Club at TCC, Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association International (AFCEA), and Naval Information Center Warfare (NIWC) contributed generous prize donations. The competition provided participants with valuable skills and emphasized not only technical skills but also the importance of collaboration, time management, and adaptability.

Faculty members noted how impressive the students were in their programming abilities and in how well they worked together to solve complex problems.

“The competition was a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their technical abilities and to collaborate with their peers. We look forward to hosting even more of these events in the future, where students can continue to challenge themselves and grow. Overall, the Coding Competition was a tremendous success, celebrating the bright future of software development and teamwork among the next generation of programmers,” Small said.

Small anticipates making the competition an annual event.

“We’ve done the competitions in the past prior to the most recent one but have not been consistent each year. We do, however, anticipate adding it to our annual calendar.”

Computers for Student Success – a win-win for students

Tidewater Community College student Daniele Sparks is ready for classes to start next month. This week, she visited Computers for Student Success and picked up a newly refurbished personal computer at no cost.

“I always told myself that I’d go back to school when my son started pre-school,” she said. “The time is now, but with everything getting so expensive, I can’t afford to buy a computer. This is a real gift.”

Lee Grimm, Blake Nietling, Gary Noah, Erin O’Meara, Eduardo Jimenez, Matthew Walsh and Sal Trinidad with TCC’s Computers for Student Success.

Computers for Student Success is run by TCC’s Computer Club and Professor Gary Noah. It launched in 2009 and has distributed close to 15,000 computers since the start.

“When we provide computers for students in need, they are very appreciative. I gave the first 150 computers away myself. I’ve seen a lot of thankful tears,” Noah said.

He continued, “To a single parent who has no computer, getting one can mean the difference between success and failure. Students can’t make it to the computer lab or library because of work and childcare needs. Sometimes they don’t have cars. We’re getting rid a barrier for them.”

Computers for Student Success is wholly supported by donations from individuals and the community including Sentara Healthcare and Stihl Co.

TCC’s Computer Club members rehabilitate and update the older or in-need of repairing PCs and laptops and get them into the hands of students, families and nonprofits in Hampton Roads.

Jolina Santiago with her laptop from TCC’s Computers for Student Success.

“I’m so grateful for my new laptop. Without it, I’d have to drop my summer classes,” said Jolina Santiago, a TCC student who recently lost her car and home.

Computers for Student Success is taking applications now for Fall Semester. TCC students are encouraged to request a PC or laptop early as fall is the busiest time for the volunteer team. To start the process, use this form.

In addition to its service to the community, the club provides valuable hands-on experience to Computer Club members, many of whom are working toward Computer Science, Information Systems Technology or Cyber Security degrees at the college.

Computers for Student Success staffer Lee Grimm with volunteer Matthew Walsh.

“This is a great way to serve our community while gaining experience repairing computers and working as a team,” said Lee Grimm, who helps Professor Noah run the program.

Although Computers for Student Success volunteers are mostly IT students, anyone is welcome to join the volunteer team.

Volunteer Salvador Trinidad shows Daniele Sparks how to use her new PC.

“I like computers and diagnosing problems,” said Salvador Trinidad, a TCC student volunteer in business management. “My favorite part is helping students learn to use their new computers. My goal is to make it really user-friendly with no jargon.”

Noah added, “We’ve had some students who received a computer come back to volunteer and pay it forward for another student in need. We have stacks of computers to work on and everyone is welcome.”

More than 120 volunteers work with Computers for Student Success which is open Monday – Friday from noon to 5 p.m. The eight-room office is located in the Lynnhaven building, room E108, on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Computer Science Professor Gary Noah with stacks of refurbished PCs.

“We know the work we’re doing is changing lives. That’s why we are here 51 weeks of the year,” Noah said, standing in front of a wall of computers and thank you notes from grateful students.

For more information about Computers for Student Success, contact Noah at gnoah@tcc.edu.