Imagine a world where a handwritten note becomes a cryptic puzzle! For three bright students from Great Falls, this very real challenge sparked an idea that has now propelled them to national acclaim. Their innovative educational app, designed to revive the art of cursive, is set to be showcased at the U.S. Capitol, proving that even a forgotten skill can inspire groundbreaking technology.
Meet Charlie Kotthoff, Lily Kirkaldie, and Danica Sabo, the brilliant minds behind Cursive Create. This isn't just another app; it's a digital bridge connecting generations by making cursive reading and writing accessible and engaging. Their dedication has earned them a prestigious win in the Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide competition that celebrates the ingenuity of student developers.
The genesis of Cursive Create is a relatable story. Charlie Kotthoff found herself stumped by a heartfelt letter from her grandparents, penned entirely in cursive. "I had to have my mom read it to me," she recalls. This personal disconnect highlighted a growing gap: cursive, a once-essential skill, is often no longer a staple in modern education, yet its importance persists. This realization fueled their mission to create a solution.
Their journey began within an after-school coding program, a collaborative effort between STARBASE Montana and Code Girls United. These organizations are dedicated to providing hands-on coding experiences to students in Great Falls and Helena. Each week, the girls honed their coding fundamentals, dividing tasks to leverage their individual strengths. Charlie took the lead in coding, Danica spearheaded the design, and Lily contributed her skills to coding, research, and presentation.
"I did a little bit of everything," Lily shared, emphasizing their strong teamwork. "We really worked as a team." The commitment often extended beyond school hours, with many late nights spent refining the app at home. "The coding took a lot of time," Charlie admitted, "A lot of times I’d go home and keep working on it after class."
The fully realized Cursive Create app offers a comprehensive suite of tools. Users can practice individual cursive letters, decipher and translate cursive sentences, compare their own handwriting to established examples, and engage in interactive games designed to solidify their learning. For those needing a refresher on the basics, the app even includes tutorials on proper pencil grip and image-based spelling activities.
Shannon McInerney, Advanced Coordinator at STARBASE, underscores the broader impact of such programs. "It’s not just about learning how to code," she explains. "It’s about building resilience, confidence, and showing students what they’re capable of." These initiatives equip students with invaluable real-world skills and foster a sense of self-efficacy that extends far beyond the classroom.
When the news of their Congressional App Challenge victory arrived, it was an emotional moment. "It didn’t feel real at first," Charlie confessed, "I was shocked."
This remarkable achievement comes with an extraordinary opportunity: an invitation to Washington, D.C., where Charlie, Lily, and Danica will present Cursive Create at the U.S. Capitol. They'll be joining a cohort of young innovators from across the nation, and their app will be featured in a special exhibition.
But here's where it gets challenging: The trip to the nation's capital is entirely self-funded. The team is now actively fundraising to cover the travel expenses for the three students and two chaperones, a goal that amounts to approximately $12,000. "This opportunity allows them to represent not just themselves, but Great Falls and the state of Montana on a national stage," Shannon noted, highlighting the significant community support needed.
The students are eager to share their app and, more importantly, to demonstrate the incredible potential that emerges when young individuals are empowered with the right tools and encouragement to pursue their passions. "If you’re even a little interested in something, it’s worth trying," Lily advises. "You never know where it might take you."
And this is the part most people miss: While the app itself is a triumph of technological skill and educational foresight, the real story is the ripple effect of community support. The success of Cursive Create is a testament to what can be achieved when local initiatives are backed by a community that believes in its young innovators.
What are your thoughts on the importance of cursive in today's digital age? Do you believe it's a skill that should be preserved, or has its time passed? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Community members and businesses interested in supporting the students' trip to Washington, D.C., or learning more about the program, can find details through Code Girls United. If you'd like to contribute to their fundraising efforts, you can find donation information.
