What do music, dance, and coding have in common? Northside High School students found out in an unforgettable way!

Recently, 100 eager students from Northside High School stepped into the exciting world of computer science during a hands-on workshop led by Dr. Peter Sheppard, Associate Dean of Research and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As part of an initiative with Code.org and in celebration of Computer Science Education Week, students discovered how coding can connect to their interests in music, dance, and creativity.

Using cutting-edge tools, students programmed icons to bust dance moves to their favorite beats and even created original rhythms from scratch. “We wanted to show that computer science isn’t just numbers and screens—it’s about bringing your passions to life in a whole new way,” said Dr. Sheppard.

The excitement in the room was electric as students quickly mastered the basics and pushed beyond expectations. Some even started developing their own mini-programs! “They blew us away with their creativity and enthusiasm. It’s clear we’ve got future innovators right here at Northside,” Dr. Sheppard added.

But this workshop wasn’t just about having fun—it was about opening doors. Through industry partnerships with organizations like CGI, students were introduced to real-world opportunities in tech careers. “This showed them they don’t have to choose between being themselves and becoming a computer scientist. They can do both,” Dr. Sheppard shared.

Northside High School is proud to celebrate the curiosity and ambition of these students as they dive into tech’s limitless potential. This experience is just the beginning, and it’s proof that at LPSS, you really can “Experience the Difference.”