Tucker Middle School students advanced to the finals of the Presidential AI Challenge Showcase, according to a May 1 announcement. The school is the only team from Georgia among six nationwide that reached this stage of the competition.
The challenge encourages students and educators to develop artificial intelligence solutions for community issues while building skills in AI. This recognition highlights student innovation and technical skill at Tucker Middle School, as well as support from teachers and district leadership.
DeKalb County School District Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norman C. Sauce III said, “Tucker Middle School’s students have demonstrated not only exceptional technical skill, but also the curiosity, creativity, and determination that define the future of innovation. Advancing to the finals of the Presidential AI Challenge Showcase is a remarkable achievement, and it reflects the strength of teaching and learning across our district. We are incredibly proud of these students and wish them success in the next level of competition.”
A total of 42 projects were submitted by over 100 students working individually or in teams. Submissions included entries for Track I (23 projects), Track II (17 projects), and Track III (2 teacher-led projects). Twelve teachers from four states mentored participants through project development.
For Track I, eighth-grade students Kyren Cobb, Blake Russell, and Jamir Ruxxell created an “AI-Powered Community Property History Explorer” designed to make property records more accessible by using artificial intelligence tools such as optical character recognition and natural language processing. For Track II, seventh-grade students Endrias Jekamo, Prabal Basnet, and Aydent Levermore developed “GlucoGuide,” an app aimed at helping individuals manage diabetes with personalized recommendations based on blood sugar patterns.
The advancement marks a significant accomplishment for Tucker Middle School’s participants as they prepare for further stages in this national competition.