I have a team of 3 of my AP students who will be travelling to Stetson University in Deland, FL to compete at their annual programming competition. In past years, I've always had a team go and I really enjoy visiting the campus at Stetson. My oldest daughter, Erin, graduated from Stetson and it is a great school. The ACM students run the competition and the faculty are judges.
Several years ago, our school placed third in the competition which was nice. Believe it or not, it really doesn't matter to me if they place at all. To me, it's a great way to be with my students outside of class and get to know them as a young adult. It's great experience for the students as well. They get a chance to compete to see how smart they really are as young programmers. All of my students who are going have programmed at a very young age. Some of their parents are professional developers.
Another reason I like going to these competitions is to meet old teacher friends and to meet new ones as well. During the competition we wait for our students and then we all have lunch. There are schools who come from all over the state to these competions. Teachers are very dedicated to give up a Saturday to be with their students.
Wish us luck!