BEDFORD – The North Lawrence robotics scene is thriving, thanks in no small part to the recent successes of two local schools at the VEX IQ Indiana State Championship on March 25.
Needmore Elementary is celebrating a hard-fought state championship win, while Bedford Middle School is basking in the glow of an impressive runner-up state championship win and scoring the highest score of the day for the Middle School Division.
The VEX IQ Indiana State Championship, which included 130 elementary schools and 100 middle schools, featured two main competitions, the Teamwork Alliance Driving Challenge, and the Skills Driving Challenge. These robotics teams took home various other prestigious awards and titles, which we will list below. Additionally, all five of the robotics teams that competed in the Indiana State Championship, secured coveted spots in the upcoming World Championship in Dallas, Texas, running from April 30 to
May 4.
The coaches and mentors of the winning teams, Lu Kuehn, Jim Thompson, and Reeve Arce, couldn’t be prouder of the student’s hard work and dedication. They recognize the students’ passion for robotics and their effort to design, build, and perfect their robots’ driving skills. The achievements of the robotics teams showcase the team’s talents. The schools’ local communities are honored to have them represent their institutions.
As these talented teams prepare for the World Championship, they seek the support of the North Lawrence community to help fund their expenses which include travel, boarding, and food. The North Lawrence Community School Corporation has donated $6,000 to pay for the 5 teams’ entrance fees.
The newly created NLCS Robotics Booster Club, run by parents of robotics team students, has been working hard to secure generous sponsors and donors. Thanks to donations and various other efforts, they have raised an additional $6,691. Unfortunately, at the time of the release of the article, the NLCS Booster Club still needs $19,897.96 to send all 5 teams to the VEX IQ World Championship.
The community is urged to donate to the NLCS Booster Club, and businesses are welcome to sponsor the teams. All contributions, regardless of size, are welcome and appreciated. The success of the robotics teams is an inspiration, and the student’s hard work and commitment should not be hindered by financial barriers.
The North Lawrence community’s support is integral to ensuring that all deserving students get to attend the World Championship and showcase their talents on a global stage. Congratulations to the winning teams, and let’s come together to support and encourage these students in their upcoming competitions.
Next fundraising events:
- El Rancho Del Burrito Dine & Donate Night 4/8
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NLCSRoboticsBoosterClub
PayPal campaign:
NLCS Booster Club website:
Direct Booster Club email: NLCSRoboticsBoosterClub@gmail.com
Team awards, coaches and students are listed below
Needmore Elementary School Robotics Teams Results:
- Coaches: Lu Kuehn & Jim Thompson
Robo-Toppers III won 1st place in the Teamwork Challenge, making them the
State Champions for the Elementary Division. They also won 14th in the Skills
Challenges, earning the team a spot in the upcoming VEXIQ World
Championship.
Team members: Liam Arce, Lincoln Blevins, Lonnie Gonzales, Archer Tomlin
Robo-Toppers II won 12th place in the Teamwork Challenge and received the
THINK award, earning the team a spot in the upcoming VEXIQ World
Championship. They placed 17th in the Robot Skills Challenge.
Team members: Hunter Chastain, Jay Mayer, Liam Johnson, Nate Webb
Robo-Toppers I won 3rd place in the Teamwork Challenge and 4th place in the
Robot Skills Challenge, earning the team a spot in the upcoming VEXIQ World
Championship.
Team members: Leo Mayer, Will Thompson
Bedford Middle School (BMS) Robotics Teams Results:
- Coach: Reeve Arce
BMS Team A won 2nd place in the Teamwork Challenge and 11th place in the
Robot Skills Challenge, earning the team a spot in the upcoming VEXIQ World
Championship.
Team members: Blake Beeson, Saeben Arce, Nathan Tomlin
BMS Team B won 5th place in the Robot Skills Challenge, earning the team a
spot in the upcoming VEXIQ World Championship.
Team Members: Jeff Trojan, Lane Shelton, Cutler Chastain
