Midland ISD's two robotics teams have achieved commendable results at the recent UIL State Robotics Championships, as per a Facebook post by the school district. The teams from Midland High School and Legacy High School competed in Belton at the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship.
The school district stated on Facebook, "MISD was the only district in Texas to have TWO SCHOOLS represented at last week's UIL 6A Robotics State Competition! The Junkyard Dawgs from MHS took home 6th place overall! Great job students and teachers! #MISDProud #StudentExperience."
In February, NewsWest9 reported that these teams were competing in the West Texas Area Championship with aspirations of making it to the state finals. Midland High Junior Blane Wheeless said, "I just love more STEM aspect things. It really makes me let my brain work in the way I think it is intended to. Think in ways I do not usually think. It makes me try to do challenges I do not usually do."
Similarly, Midland High Senior Margie Altany shared her experience with NewsWest9 saying, "I knew absolutely nothing when I joined last year. I did not know how to code I really did not know what I was doing with building. I started learning some coding, but it was not really advanced. The end of last year I started building more, so this year I built our entire robot."
According to a news release in December, Midland ISD announced its plans to expand its robotics programs across all schools and grade levels. This comprehensive program includes FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge - initiatives designed to foster interest in technology, robotics and engineering among students. The district plans to hire teachers with expertise in robotics to spearhead this program and is seeking available space within school buildings for labs.
Jeff Horner, MISD CTE Director said, "The expansion of our already stellar robotics programs will pave the way for even more opportunities and achievement for our students. Robotics education promotes innovation at all levels, propelling our students toward a successful future."