By Chatesha R. Dickens, Halifax County Schools
What a GREAT day! Students from all Halifax County elementary schools and both middle schools came to William R. Davie S.T.E.M. to compete for local FLL Robotics bragging rights and they were amazing!
The teams began arriving on May 2, 2019, at 9am and were set up in the pit area and ready to begin the judging sessions that started at 9:30am. The morning was filled with activity as the teams moved between the three judging areas and a practice session on the competition tables in preparation for the afternoon’s robot challenge competition.
Volunteer judges and referees from across the community watched, listened, and asked questions as the students from each team explained their Into Orbit research project, robot design and demonstrated their mastery of “Core Values”.
After lunch the Robot Challenge began for everyone to see in the gym as the teams were announced and ran into the gym like they were being announced at the Super Bowl. Each team was given three opportunities to have their robot score as many points as they could by completing missions in 2 ½ minutes. The best score of the three was counted as their score for the robot challenge competition.
Finally, the judges had the final task of deciding the many categories of award winners and the overall Champion Award. The Champion Award went to The Pittman Elementary Leadership Academy Galaxy Stars coached by Teacher Mr. Demetrius Green.
Mike Klein, one of the judges said:
“Selecting the winner of the Champion Award was a VERY close call this year, but the PELA Galaxy Stars had the top score in 3 of the 4 judging categories so they edged out everyone else in the final analysis.”
Dr. Tyrana Battle, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction said:
“I am so proud of our Central Office staff, William R. Davie Staff and parent volunteers for their part in making this tournament so successful. There are a lot of moving parts! All the students continue to grow and mature. We see the positive changes STEM Robotics brings to our students and teachers.”
Added Dr. Eric Cunningham, Superintendent of Halifax County Schools:
“This was a great day filled with learning, teamwork and fun (including some great dancing). When you go home tell all your friends about what a great experience this was and tell them to get ready to join a robotics team next year.”
There is a Robotics demonstration on Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6pm, at the Central Office, 9525 Hwy 301 South, Halifax, NC.
