Utica Community Schools UAIS and Henry Ford II competed in Kettering University’s Bulldog Battle Hackathon.

After learning Java and Python programming languages through in-class activities, students in AP Computer Science classes and Engineering Club put their skills to the test competing head-to-head with other high school teams.

“I really enjoyed it,” senior Konrad Brylkowski said. “It was cool to have friendly competition against other schools.”

While individual hackathons are not a new concept for Kettering University, this year, the university debuted the first team competition, Bulldog Battles, as various schools across Michigan competed against one another with two new high schools competing each week.

“They all worked very hard and were excited to win,” Engineering Club sponsor and AP Computer Science teacher Jamie Davis said. “They were intimated by IB at first but worked together very well. Computer Science wasn’t a class that was offered when I was in high school, so I like that it offerers a glimpse into a growing career field that students could be interested in.”

Students interested in a computer science field could lead into careers in software development, IT, or software engineering.

In class, AP Computer Science students are given the opportunity to learn Java or Python certificates, but out of class, students are able to engage in the Engineering Club allowing students the opportunity to grow their programming skills.

On December 3, Henry Ford II took on UAIS at the Bulldog Battle Hackathon as students used the website HackerRank to create algorithms with both Java and Python. After an hour and 30 minute contest, Ford led with 121-110 for a win.

This win awarded Ford first place overall in the Bulldog Battle so far and Cranbrook holding second place with a score of 118 as high school teams continue to compete.

“I will definitely be going to a university for computer science,” senior Isaac Kellogg said. “I’ve been doing coding since second grade, so it’s not even a question for me. This event was something to add on to my resume, and it was very nice to win something after all the work I’ve put into this.”

As the competition ended for the teams, Kettering University acknowledged the Fall 2025 admitted students and Ford’s first place standing currently in the competition.

“I would like students to feel empowered and able to accomplish any computer science task brought to them. I want them to have an approachable experience and avoid the stereotype that it’s too hard.”

Christina Hujdurovic UAIS AP/ IB Computer Science Teacher

25% projected growth in software developers, quality assurance analyst and testers between 2022-2032

source: forbes advisor