JEROME, Id. (KMVT/KSVT) Monday, a group of Jerome and Caldwell students from Jerome Middle School and Vallivue High School were named “Best in State” winners in the fourth annual Verizon Innovative App Challenge for their mobile app idea, Safety Is My Middle Name and Idaho Fires.

The two schools were selected from more than 1,200 submissions nationwide, earning $5,000 for their school and free tablets for each team member. They will now move on to the next round and are eligible to win an additional $15,000.

Safety is My Middle Name will provide photos and information about animal life, plant life and terrain, including if a plant is safe to eat or touch. It will also provide steps on what to do after experiencing a poisonous plant or animal.

During the 2015 fire season, there were over 35 active wildfires located in or near the Treasure Valley, covering more than 400,000 acres across Idaho. Idaho Fires will alert communities at risk of wildfires and provide emergency information and resources through the app.

Now in its fourth year, the Verizon Innovative App Challenge is unique in that it does not require ANY coding skills. Students only need an idea for a mobile app that could solve a problem in their school or community.

From now until January 31, 2016, anyone can vote to help the team win the Fan Favorite award, which earns them an additional $15,000 and the chance to work with experts from MIT Media Lab to turn their concept into a real, working app. Text SAFETY2 to 22333 to vote for Safety Is My Middle Name or IDAHOFIRES2 to vote for Idaho Fires.

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