Youth of the Year KEVIN WADSWORTH Passion for technology gives people ways to manage mental health

By DJ Moore news@covnews.com

Kevin Wadsworth’s love for computers and technology not only won him a prestigious statewide award, but it also led to him being named Visions Youth of the Year.

Wadsworth, a senior student at Newton High School and the Newton College and Career Academy is also the creator of The Vent Box app. Through The Vent Box, any- body can vent their frustrations and receive motivational messages to get back on track in their daily lives.

Wadsworth was 9 years old when he discovered an affinity for computers and technology. But little did he know then that his passion for technology would lead him to birth an award-winning app that provides different resources, information and hotlines that can help users manage mental health issues.

Wadsworth was named the top winner of the Congressional App Challenge competition in U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s 4th Congressional District that includes part of Newton and three other counties.

“So when I got to the Career Academy, I was like, ‘I’m going to look for some different pathways that include technology,’” Wadsworth said. “Since I was 9, I have always loved computers, especially taking apart computers to even playing video games while using different software.”

Wadsworth wants to keep improving his app on a daily basis. Part of that includes making it downloadable on smart devices.

Students at both schools know that opportunities abound for students to succeed in all facets of life, but in the technology industry especially. The Covington and Newton County area at large is becoming a hotbed for developing tech and engineering talent, even at the high school level, and Wadsworth knew he had to take advantage of those opportunities.

“The school has provided an ample amount of resources and information to me and not just me, but to the entire school in general,” said Wadsworth.

Wadsworth and his classmates participated in the Congressional App Challenge earlier in the school year, where they had to create an app, and Wadsworth was notified weeks later knowing that he would win the challenge.

But more than the technology side of it, Wadsworth says it was extra gratifying to know that he made an app that could provide a service to everyone in this world, including himself.

“I personally go through different emotions,” he said. “I told myself, ‘OK, I go through different emotions as well, and other people that are in my age range, older or even younger, go through something with their emotions, I thought it would be great for anyone to use.”

At this time of year, high school seniors are coming to a point in their young lives where they have to figure out what to do after high school. Wadsworth knows his entrance into the “grown-up world” is coming sooner than later, and he wants to embrace it.

“Everything’s about to change after this last month, actually, and I’m going to be put into the real world, “ Wadsworth said. “I’m kind of excited about it, but at the same time, I’m a bit nervous, but I’m sure I can do great.”

Wadsworth hasn’t made a college decision yet, but his final school choices are Valdosta State and Kennesaw State. He plans to use his college education to prepare him for a career in either computer science, cybersecurity or even software development. No matter which, he’ll be looking to turn his passion into something that can continue to help others.

“I’m very passionate about technology and online as well,” said Wadsworth.