Wylie High School Student Takes AI Success to National Stage

For Wylie High School student Adonias Tadesse, curiosity has always been the starting point for new discoveries.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been a curious experimenter,” Tadesse said. “I’d dive headfirst into new interests, master the basics, and then move on to the next challenge.”

That curiosity has led to remarkable achievements in artificial intelligence and data science. In 2025, Tadesse earned first place in the central region competition of DataJam, a national data science competition, alongside his sister, Abegayle, a junior at Wylie High.

“My sister and I teamed up for the challenge, and she deserves just as much credit for that experience and victory as I do.”

Tadesse’s interest in AI was sparked by his own exploration.

“At first, I thought ChatGPT was just another internet gimmick,” he said. “But the moment I sent my first prompt, I was astonished. That’s when I realized AI was shaping the future, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

He continued developing his skills through hands-on opportunities like the Mark Cuban AI Foundation Bootcamp, where he helped develop an award-winning AI prototype.

“The environment felt like a glimpse into my dream workplace,” he said. “We worked with real data scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and learned the full process from data collection to visualization.”

That journey took him to a national stage on Feb. 21.

Tadesse was invited to speak as a student ambassador at the Infosys Impact Gala in San Francisco, where he joined industry leaders and executives from across the country. What was most meaningful to Tadesse was the audience while he took the big stage.

“They were engaged, smiling, and responding, and that made the moment unforgettable. It left me with this feeling that the future is wide open. Anything can happen.”

Tadesse noted that his ability to confidently engage in that setting can be traced back to his time in Wylie ISD.

“Back in fifth grade, I joined the Davis Debate Club,” he said. “That’s where I learned to enjoy researching and having thoughtful conversations. So when I stood on stage at the Infosys Gala, it didn’t feel intimidating; it felt exciting.”

Looking ahead, Tadesse hopes to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare.

“I believe that’s where the next generation of innovation will happen,” he said. “I want to be at the intersection of technology and humanity, building the future I once only imagined.”

As a senior at Wylie High, he encourages others to go for what they want in life.

“You can’t wait for opportunities to come to you. You have to create them,” he said. “School gives you a foundation, but your growth really comes from what you choose to do outside of it.”

His message is clear: take initiative and make the most of every opportunity available.

As Tadesse continues to pursue his passion, his journey reflects the impact of curiosity, determination, and the support systems that help Wylie ISD students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.