Westlake Academy student Ciara McMurry of Trophy Club wins NCWIT Award

The NCWIT Award of Aspirations in Computing generates visibility for young women in their local communities.

TROPHY CLUB — Westlake Academy sophomore Ciara McMurry, of Trophy Club, received the NCWIT (National Center for Women & Information Technology) Aspirations in Computing award in March during an awards luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson. This award recognizes young women at the high school level for their computing-related achievements and interests.

Left to right: Michelle Crissey, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions Vice President of Sales for the West Area; Ciara McMurry; Stephanie Hamilton, NCWIT National Program Manager

Winners of the NCWIT awards are selected for their demonstrated aptitude and interest in information technology/computing; solid leadership ability; strong academic history; and plans for post-secondary education. McMurry was recognized for her achievements both inside and outside of school. She has made video games and movies; built robots out of Legos and programmed these robots; made an electrical combination lock; used animation software; and created and used basic databases.

“We are very proud of Ciara and all she has accomplished,” said Maria A. Busico-Flight, Ciara’s adviser at Westlake Academy. “We know that she has a very bright future ahead of her, and we commend her excellent work and unique creations. It will be exciting to see what she creates in her final years of high school and watch her progress after graduation.”

The NCWIT Award of Aspirations in Computing generates visibility for young women in their local communities, thus encouraging their continued interest in computing. It attracts the attention and support of educational and corporate institutions and emphasizes at a personal level the importance of women’s participation.

In addition to an award plaque, NCWIT presented McMurry with a laptop bag with several tech devices and a $1,000 scholarship to University of Texas at Austin if she decides to pursue her studies in technology.

“It was awesome to receive this award, and I felt really honored,” said McMurry. “I look forward to pursuing an engineering degree in college. I value all that I have learned at Westlake Academy and want to thank my teachers, who have been a huge inspiration."

Source: Westlake Academy