Six robotics teams from Hamilton Heights Middle School (HHMS) will head to the 2020 Indiana VEX Robotics State Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium after successfully qualifying at various competitions held earlier this season. This is the third year in a row that HHMS has sent multiple teams to the state level competition.
The Indiana VEX Robotics State Championship is the largest state robotics competition in the nation, with 385 teams competing from around the Hoosier state. Teams are eligible to compete at the event by winning a state-qualifying award at a local competition. HHMS teams qualified at the regular season tournaments earlier in the school year. They did so by winning Teamwork Challenges and Excellence Awards at area events.
“Last year, we had four teams qualify for state, so having six teams in attendance is going to be a very awesome experience for us,” said Lacy Bowyer, HHMS Robotics Teacher and Robotics Coach. “Our students have taken robotics to the next level. We have some of the best builders, drivers, programmers and engineering notebooks in the state. Many of our team members are in their first year, but it hasn’t stopped them for stepping up and competing with the best of the best.”
First year member Ian Wilson said robotics has taught him how to learn from mistakes and never give up.
When asked what his favorite part of robotics was, seventh grader Enzo Christy said, “I really enjoy programming and getting to hang out with friends. Programming has taught me how to get creative because I have to plan which route my robot will take in order to score the most points.”
“Indiana has the most VEX IQ Elementary and Middle School Robotics teams in the United States, so advancing to the state championship is a commendable achievement,” said George Giltner, VP of STEM Education for TechPoint Foundation for Youth. “The best of the state’s robotics competitors will be on display, and we look forward to seeing the teams showcase their talents at the event on the largest stage Indiana has to offer.”
The Indiana VEX Robotics State Championship will be held Saturday, March 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and is free and open to the public. For more information about the event or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please visit techpointyouth.org/statechamp.