Elyria Schools may take over the world.
In robotics, that is.
The Elyria Robotics program has long held a top spot in the competitive robotics arena, earning numerous awards and titles in local, regional, state and world challenges for student programmers and engineers.
Elyria fields several teams at the middle and high school levels. The district also runs a junior program to introduce elementary students to STEAM concepts and programs, including robotics.
One of the signature events each year for the seasoned robotics teams is the VEX Robotics Kalahari Classic Tournament held in Sandusky, Ohio.
Teams from all over Ohio and elsewhere compete for numerous titles and chances to qualify for the World Robotics Championship later this year.
Because the Kalahari Classic is a signature event, carrying additional clout in the competitive robotics world, teams can earn a spot in the world competition by their performance at this tournament.
At the conclusion of the Kalahari Classic, Elyria Robotics had two teams that qualified for the world competition: Elyria High's Team 11124X and Elyria Middle School Team 42111P.
Elyria Team 42111P dubbed, "Peas in a Pod," won the "Excellence Award," which is the highest honor awarded in a Vex Robotics tournament.
The award is based off tournament rankings, skills rankings, engineering design notebook and two judged interviews.
This particular award also has automatic world-qualifying status.
Peas in a Pod team members include Emily Harding, Kyrah Boddy and Brooke Dumonthier of Eastern Heights Middle School, and Marissa Peacock of Northwood Middle School.
According to Robotics Coach Angela Burgess, "They put in the time, effort, perseverance and grit to achieve this award."
Congratulations to both qualifying teams and to the entire Elyria Robotics program!
The 2022 Vex Robotics World Competition will bring draw competitors in middle and high school robotics from across the world. It takes place in May 2022 in Dallas, Texas.