SOUTH FORSYTH — A local high school student was recently recognized for her achievements in computing by a network of professional women in the technology field.

Devangi Bohra, a senior at South Forsyth, was named the Georgia Affiliate winner of the National Center for Women and IT Award for Aspirations in Computing.

She was selected for her “demonstrated, outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology/computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history and plans for post-secondary education.”

Two other South students, senior Alekya Putta and sophomore Daksha Jadhav, were runner-ups in the statewide competition.

“Universities like Georgia Tech and companies like Google and Microsoft are constantly trying to recruit more women into the fields of computer science and engineering,” said James O’Connor, computer science teacher at the school on Peachtree Parkway. “There are many scholarship and internship opportunities specifically targeting female applicants.

“NCWIT does a great job encouraging and recognizing girls who are willing to pursue an education in technology to make it more likely they will stick with it.”

The Aspirations in Computing program engages young women interested in technology and computing by generating their visibility in local communities.

The program encourages girls’ “continued interest in computing, attracts the attention and support of educational and corporate institutions and emphasizes at a personal level the importance of women’s participation in computing and IT.”

The talent development pipeline is a network of professional woman in tech fields who receive benefits including mentoring, visibility for technical achievements, computing outreach programs in local communities for growing members’ leadership and entrepreneurial skills, hands-on activities for exploring computer science concepts and exclusive access to scholarships, internships and job opportunities nationwide.

“South Forsyth High is committed to providing young women access to technical fields not traditionally accessible to women,” said Laura Wilson, principal. “We have very healthy engineering and computer programs as well as numerous extracurricular activities to encourage all students to pursue careers in technology.”