Spring Ridge Robotics Team Competes in CA
League of Llamas Robotics Team
Back Row: Kim Grabenstein, Tom Galligan, Kaitlyn Dailey (seated), Daniel Werme, Isaac Zelinski
Front Row: Sam Bartlett, Legolas Samillano (team apprentice), David Cannavo, and Pio Samillano
Not pictured: Dmitri Hudziak
The Spring Ridge Middle School robotics team, League of Llamas, competed at the Global VEX IQ Robotics Competition in Anaheim California May 23 – 26, 2014. With 760 teams, consisting of over 15,000 participants from 27 countries, the Global competition provides and educational experience well beyond the robotics competition.
Students were required to complete a STEM Research project, including an oral presentation to the judges. This year’s research project focused on math and how math concepts apply to robotics. Students must also learn to work together with other teams to form competition alliances. The League of Llamas alliance partners included teams from the United States, as well as teams from China, Mexico, and Hong Kong.
The League of Llamas are ranked #1 in Maryland for Programming Skills and 45th in the World. This is quite an accomplishment, especially considering this is their first year of competition in the VEX IQ Division. Kim Grabenstein (parent volunteer), Steve Hudziak (parent volunteer) and Tom Galligan (teacher sponsor) coached the team and accompanied the students to the Global competition. According to Grabenstein, the team’s performance was exceptional and, although they didn’t bring home a trophy, their accomplishment of competing at the International level is the real prize.
As robotics programs continue to grow in popularity and number, the need for coaches and mentors will increase. Robotics is a great way to introduce students to STEM education and careers through hands-on activities and application of STEM principals.
The League of Llamas would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who donated to their fundraising efforts. A special thanks to team’s sponsor, The Patuxent Partnership. The Partnership purchased the VEX IQ Robotics Kits and helped cover the cost of the Global Competition Registration fee.
