Hamilton Heights Middle School team takes first in Indiana Data Science Competition

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

Hamilton Heights Middle School (HHMS) earned top statewide honors in the 2026 Nextech Stats Challenge, a data-science competition involving more than 60 teams from across Indiana.

The student group, Anderadigus, was named the Middle School Division Champion of the Quick Pick Data Challenge, while the Midwest Maniacs won the Top 10 pick – where participating teams picked the 10 teams at the event.

Under the leadership of teacher Jennifer Froman, students used real NCAA basketball data to build predictive models, write code, and test their algorithms – applying computer science skills in a real-world, high-engagement challenge. The project was supported by the high school’s coding program and HHMS Principal Dr. Bret Bailey, creating a cross-school collaboration that strengthened students’ learning and confidence.

The HHMS Anderadigus team (from left) Vincent Kakasuleff, Ryder Holt, Nolan Kakasuleff, and Jake Tenbrook were winners of the Middle School Division in the 2026 Nextech Quick Pick Data Challenge. (Photo provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation)

Hamilton Heights Middle School’s Midwest Maniacs (from left) Brenden Echlin, Cutle Fields, and Ethan Vernick were recognized as a Top 10 team by peers at this year’s event. (Photo provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation)

Students completed the challenge through Code.org’s CS Discoveries curriculum, a free, teacher-approved platform that has become a powerful resource for HHMS. Their success earned them a celebratory pizza and dessert party, but the real reward was the pride they felt in seeing their code perform successfully against teams from across the state.

Froman shared that this was her first year participating in the challenge with her eighth graders.

“I took a risk, and they amazed me,” she said. “The kids were engaged from start to finish. They had a blast.”

Nextech works to expand access to computer science, AI, and emerging technologies for all Indiana students. Their programs show that CS is more than coding – it’s problem-solving, collaboration, and curiosity in action. Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, Nextech helps students across every ZIP code discover new opportunities and prepare for futures they may not have imagined.