AOL student Gisselle Balleza received Gulf Coast NCWIT award

Academy of Our Lady senior Gisselle Balleza of Gretna has received the Gulf Coast NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. Sponsored by the National Center for Women and  Information Technology (NCWIT) and the University of South Alabama, this award honors young women at the high school level for their computing-related achievements and interests.
Balleza is one of six recipients selected from high schools across the Mid-Gulf Coast, who demonstrated outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history and plans for post-secondary education.I n addition to recognition of computing-related achievements and interests, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing is awarded as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology.
“Encouraging young women’s interest in technology careers is critical: our workforces needs their creativity and their innovation,” said Lucy Sanders, CEO and co-founder of NCWIT.
Balleza is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Robotics Club and Team, the Science Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. After graduation, she hopes to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and major in computer science.
“Gisselle is an amazing programmer with a sharp mind and a keen attention to detail,” said Amy Morriss, Academy of Our Lady faculty member.