The D.C. teenager’s training has been on the World Wide Web, where the site he recently designed won first place in the computer science category of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics sponsored by the D.C. branch of the NAACP. The NAACP sponsors the event in support of mentoring programs that encourage academic achievements among youth, according to members of the NAACP.

Russell, 17, last week traveled to Atlanta, Ga., where he is competing in the national competition at the 89th annual NAACP convention, July 11-14.

"I don’t know what to expect at nationals," he said before leaving his Southeast Washington home for the competition.

"I felt I had a good chance of winning in the local competition, but I was still surprised when they called my name."

He won a gold medal and a $200 savings bond at the local competition April 25, where he finished ahead of more than 200 other students.

Russell, a senior this fall at The School Without Walls, designed several Web sites, including one for FutureNET, a local computer firm where he works as an intern, and one for Hine Junior High School.

To complete his project, Russell said he used advanced Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) and JavaScript programming. HTML is the standard language used on Web sites.

"I learned a lot of things just by talking and networking with other people on the Net and in person," he said.

"It’s quite impressive for a 17-year-old," said Joseph A. Davis, FutureNET’s chief technology officer and Russell’s coach. "This is quality work."

FutureNET is a systems integration company specializing in networking and learning technologies and has been actively involved in D.C. Public Schools delivering products and services, providing student internships and development seminars. Davis met Russell when he was teaching a ninth grade computer class at The School Without Walls.

"Vincent created clickable image maps and used a lot of graphics," Davis said. "He’s been very dedicated to all his projects."

Russell created his first Web site for his school. Since he began his summer internship at FutureNET, Russell has created Web sites for Hine Junior High and developed Future-NET"S Web site.

For nationals, Russell must bring along his computer and make a presentation about his Web sites as he did in local competition.

"I’ve never been to Atlanta before and I look forward to meeting with other students across the country," Russell said.

While Russell said he is planning a career in computer science, computers aren’t his only interest. He also runs track, plays soccer and works as an office assistant at a business development firm.

Copyright 1998, The Common Denominator