Provided photo The winning CyberHusky team consists of Samuel Cai, Gabe Hjerstedt, Lewis Vendlinski, and Daniel Xie, all students at Houghton High School

HOUGHTON — The CyberHusky team from Houghton High School has been named the Michigan State Champion in the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge, a nationally recognized competition that engages students in applying AI to help local community and solve real-world problems.

The winning team consists of Samuel Cai, Gabe Hjerstedt, Lewis Vendlinski and Daniel Xie, all students at Houghton High School. Competing against teams from across the country, the CyberHusky team demonstrated outstanding technical ability, creativity, and teamwork in designing and implementing AI-driven solutions.

The Presidential AI Challenge, organized by multiple U.S. government agencies, provides students with opportunities to explore cutting-edge AI concepts while addressing meaningful societal challenges. The competition emphasizes innovation, problem-solving, and the responsible use of AI technologies.

The CyberHusky team’s achievement reflects both the students’ dedication and the strength of Houghton High School’s commitment to STEM education. Their success highlights the growing impact of K-12 AI education initiatives and the importance of preparing the next generation of technology leaders.

According to a release, this accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the CyberHusky program and serves as an inspiration for students across the region to pursue innovation in AI.