MADISON – Grace Hur at James Clemens High School has received the “Aspirations in Computing” award for North Alabama from the National Center for Women & Information Technology.

“I believe all of my technical knowledge and leadership contributed to my receiving the award. My next goal will be receiving the center’s national award,” Hur said.

The National Center for Women & Information Technology is a non-profit community of about 1,500 universities, companies, non-profits and government organizations nationwide working to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women.

Computer science teacher Pamela Paquette first introduced Hur to Aspirations in Computing. To apply, Hur submitted her essay, segment of her website, animation, game design projects and Paquette’s endorsement.

“Later, I received word that I had been named a North Alabama State Winner,” Hur said. “I attended the virtual awards ceremony on May 8.”

“Regarding computing, I am self-taught in coding languages Python and C. I’m also taking coding classes at school. Currently, I have been learning C++ on my own,” Hur said.

In addition, Hur takes pride in her versatility and the ability to grasp new areas quickly in the technical field. “For example, I am skilled in website creation, video editing, animation, graphic design, digital music and audiobook production, app creation and Unity video game design,” she said.

She also has completed a personal animation project using Python, along with technical visualization animation using Blender for an upcoming national competition.

Hur’s leadership roles include National Technology Director and web designer for a youth-led organization with approximately 320 members. She is Vice President of James Clemens’ chapter of Technology Student Association. “Our TSA team has actually just won multiple top awards at the state level and will be competing in the national competition this June,” she said.

While Hur is undecided on a college, she has no doubt about a major: computer science. “Specifically, I hope to study on-the-rise technologies, such as augmented reality (AR),” Hur said.

Her parents are Hwan and Sarah Hur. Hwan is a Vice President of LG Electronics USA. Sarah formerly worked as a corporate trainer in Korea.

Apple supports the entire Aspirations in Computing program platform, along with other national program elements. The Cognizant U.S. Foundation supports expansion of the Aspirations program with strategic regional efforts.

For more information, email aspirations@ncwit.org or visit ncwit.org.