Two teams from Patrick Henry Elementary School participated in the VA-DC FIRST LEGO League Championship held at James Madison University on December 4.
The AntyBots, coached by Emily Harrell and Liz Lynch, received the Judge’s Award. This award is given to teams who embrace the culture of FIRST LEGO League through team building, team spirit, and enthusiasm.
The To-Go Bots, coached by Erica Crockett and Ashley Taylor, placed first in Robot Design. This award means the robot’s design is stable and robust with streamlined and efficient programming.
“The best part of robotics was meeting new people and learning new things together,” said To-Go Bots member Elaina Hairston. “We really didn’t think we would win any awards this year because we were a rookie team but, we did! I am so proud of that!”
To-Go Bots team member Skylar Euceda echoed this pride saying, “my most favorite part of robotics is when we do stuff together and celebrate each other. We are always so proud of each other. When we won the regional tournament, everyone was so proud and that felt good. We went to the state tournament to have fun and get experience, we ended up winning first place in robot design! That makes me even happier and so proud!”
“I have watched the robotics teams perform in years past and have seen what an impact it has on students,” said to-Go Bots coach Ashley Taylor. “This year, I decided to give coaching a try because I wanted to be a part of the excitement. We went into the season with the expectation that we would learn a lot and have fun. I was amazed at how quickly the students learned to code and how motivated they were to accomplish missions. I am so proud of how eloquently they spoke, how dedication to practicing, and the gracious professionalism that they showed during the season. I learned that not only does First Lego League robotics impact students greatly, but also coaches. I so proud of the To-Go Bots and can’t wait for another season with them next year!”
AntyBots team member Arianna Ybarra expressed that having fun and learning are the most important parts of robotics. “I have learned a lot. It’s not about winning; it is all about learning and having fun. This year I learned how to make PowerPoints for judging and it is fine to make mistakes but don’t make the same ones repeatedly.”
AntyBots team member Zoey Hannans voiced similar feelings stating, “This is the second year I have been part of the robotics team; I really love it because we learn new things, we play games, and my team members are nice, kind, and funny!”
“It’s an amazing how robotics can transform team members, the girls on the AntyBots have coded their robot to achieve almost every mission on the board,” said AntyBots coach Liz Lynch. “They have come up with creative ways to share their progress with one another. They have collaborated to create a solution to pests getting into packaging and shared their solution with others. The girls used feedback to improve their design and hope to implement a recycling program at Patrick Henry Elementary. Both Emily Harrell and I are so proud of the girls. They are amazing.”
“Our robotics program continues to excel!” said Martinsville Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley. “I am thankful for our dedicated students and teachers who continue to find innovative ways to advance technology. Our Martinsville City Public Schools family is very proud of their accomplishments!”
