Rockwood Students Compete at International Robotics Festival

Action Robotix, a team comprising students from the Rockwood and Parkway school districts, competed with more than 50 teams from around the world at the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Florida Sunshine Invitational, which was held June 19-22 on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The Rockwood students on Action Robotix are rising Marquette High freshmen Adithya, Vihaan and Ishaan -- who were at Crestview Middle this past school year -- and rising eighth-graders Aditi, Naisha (Selvidge Middle) and Arnav (Rockwood Valley Middle). Action Robotix earned an invitation to the Sunshine Invitational by clinching the second-place award at the Missouri State Championship this spring.

FLL is an international competition that challenges students to research real-world problems, create innovative solutions and build and program LEGO robots to complete themed tasks. Competing as finalists at the FLL International Festival is a significant achievement because it demonstrates exceptional skills in engineering, teamwork and problem-solving against a global field of talented teams. This accomplishment reflects the hard work, creativity and dedication of the team, setting a strong foundation for their future endeavors in STEM.

In Daytona Beach, Action Robotix faced off against more than 50 teams, showcasing their remarkable talent and teamwork. The intense, three-day competition tested their abilities in various areas, including their innovative project, robot performance and core values. Despite the fierce competition, Action Robotix emerged as one of the finalists, a testament to their all-around excellence and determination.

This achievement is particularly noteworthy because it highlights the exceptional skills and dedication of students from Missouri. It also underscores the importance of STEM education and how programs like FLL can inspire young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The journey to the international stage was not only a significant milestone for the team but also a memorable experience for their families. Parents and siblings joined the team in Daytona Beach, turning the event into a fun-filled vacation. The shared experiences and the team's success made the trip unforgettable for everyone involved.

As Action Robotix moves forward, they are excited to take on new challenges in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) next year. The team’s outstanding performance at the FLL International Festival has set a high bar, and they are eager to continue their journey in the world of robotics and innovation.

Congratulations to Action Robotix for their incredible achievement and best of luck in the next phase of their journey!