The third annual Highland VEX Robotics Middle School Competition was held this past Saturday.
There were 38 teams from central Ohio involved in this VEX Nothing But Net Contest. Each team consisted of three to four students, along with the robot they built and programed.
In the morning session, each team competed in five matches to earn points and a ranking, which lead to selection of three-team alliances for the afternoon tournament.
Six Highland teams qualified and competed in the tournament with many doing well.
The Highland teams of 6390-A and 6390-D each brought home a trophy as a tournament finalist alliance. That qualifies them to compete in the VEX Robotics Middle School State Championship on March 4 and 5.
The team of 6390-A consists of Nefi Bumpus, Austin Egleberry, and Brennon Luce. Team 6390-D consists of Annabelle Zerby, Ashley Huffine, Tyler Disbennet, Adrienne Porter, and Savannah Fitzpatrick.
Another award given during the event is the Excellence award. This is the highest award presented in a VEX Robotics Competition.
It goes to a team that exemplifies qualities such as teamwork, robot design, robotic knowledge, tournament rankings, programming skills, and problem-solving skills. The winner of this award was also from Highland. Team 6390-A of Bumpus, Egleberry and Luce earned this award.
Joe Churilla, of Consolidated Electric was present to announce a donation this year towards the RAMTEC Robotics League schools of Morrow county, out of Tri-Rivers, of which Highland is a member. The money will enable schools to promote and grow their programs through camps and other competitions.
The Highland teams travel to Tolles Tech on Feb. 6 to continue their season. In its fourth year of VEX Robotics competitions, the Highland program has grown and become very competitive. Many of these middle school students have achieved goals and accomplishments they can be very proud of.
