Midland Independent School District's (ISD) FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Tournament was deemed a success, according to a recent news release.
The district's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program organized the event at the Midland Horseshoe Pavilion. The competition featured 26 teams from the Permian Basin showcasing their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Successful participants qualified for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Robotics Competition.
Jeff Horner, executive director of Midland ISD’s CTE, emphasized the significance of the event. He said that it highlights the "incredible potential of our students" in STEM fields. Horner expressed gratitude to volunteers, community partners, and robotics coaches for their contributions to making the event possible. He added that these efforts further Midland ISD's mission to enhance STEM education through enriching student experiences.
According to the news release, volunteers from various organizations including Midland ISD CTE, Midland College Engineering and Computer Science, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron Permian Basin participated in the event. These supporters helped create an environment where students could apply STEM concepts in practical robotics experiments.
Nine teams achieved qualifying scores to advance to the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Panhandle Area Championship scheduled for February 22 at Lubbock-Cooper High School. The qualifying teams are Samurai Robotics from Legacy High; Cougar Robotics from Christoval High; Robo Junkies from Legacy High; Knight Dawgs from Midland High; Hotbots from Midland Classical; Beskar Bots from Midland Classical; Alpha Dawgs from Midland High; Iron Lions from San Angelo Central; and Junkyard Dawgs from Midland High.
- Judges’ Choice Award – Voltage (YWLA)
- Design Award – Alpha Dawgs (Midland High)
- Control Award – Hotbots (Midland Classical)
- Innovate Award – Knight Dawgs (Midland High)
- Connect Award – Junkyard Dawgs (Midland High)
- Motivate Award – Beskar Bots (Midland Classical)
- Think Award – Robo Junkies (Legacy High)
- Third place – Robo Junkies (Legacy High)
- Second place – Hotbots (Midland Classical)
- First place – Samurai Robotics (Legacy High)
- Samurai Robotics – Legacy High
- Cougar Robotics – Christoval High
- Robo Junkies – Legacy High
- Knight Dawgs – Midland High
- Hotbots – Midland Classical
- Beskar Bots – Midland Classical
- Alpha Dawgs – Midland High
- Iron Lions – San Angelo Central
- Junkyard Dawgs – Midland High