Dubuque Middle School Students Win Iowa Presidential AI Challenge
According to a recent press release, four eighth-graders from Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School have earned top honors in the Iowa Track I Middle School competition of the Presidential AI Challenge. This nationwide initiative is designed to inspire young people to create AI-based solutions to real-life community challenges.
Winners Harper Givens, Elise Babler, Malin Thier, and Vivian Hoelscher presented their winning project titled “A Click Away From Home.” It addresses the pressing issue of shelter for the less fortunate by connecting people experiencing homelessness with shelters in real time. The students developed a web-based app that uses an AI algorithm to provide live updates on available beds, helping users quickly find safe spaces. Out of more than 2,500 submissions nationwide, only 328 teams achieved even state-level recognition, making this win a significant accomplishment for our Dubuque students.
Other Iowa winners at the state level include:
- Clara Baessler
- Wyatt Berry
- Madelyn Cortner
- Reagan Douglas
- Layni Green
- Jimmy Hanson
- Van Hilbert
- Arabella Hill
- Vera Hollingsworth
- Landyn Irr
- Amelia Lange
- Aubrie Lehman
- Hunter Mundell
- Arnav Kulkarni
- Srihari Kumaresan
- Creed Russell
- Campbell Rethmeier
- David Shi
- Payton Sollum
- Charlotte Wenck
- Sarvin Vasisvaran
- Satya Thavanesh Yalla
The Presidential AI Challenge, established through Executive Order 14277 signed on April 23rd, 2025, by President Trump, encourages students to explore AI responsibly while also developing skills that will prepare them for the future workforce.
The initiative is part of a larger effort to maintain America’s leadership in artificial intelligence, promoting scientific innovation and economic growth. Youth of all skill levels were encouraged to contribute, to cultivate creativity and problem-solving skills, which will positively impact their communities and the nation as a whole.
As one of several state champions, the Mazzuchelli team now advances to the regional competition. There, they'll present their project in a live virtual format to a panel of judges, while competing against other top teams from around the country. The experience offers an opportunity to further refine their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and showcase their innovation on a national stage.
The announcement for Regional winners will occur on April 16th. National winners will be selected and announced in June of this year. Join me in recognizing these students for their creativity, teamwork, and inspiring use of technology to benefit our community. Let’s celebrate their achievement together!
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