That’s a wrap on Niagara Catholic’s annual Elementary VEX Robotics competition, which took place at St. Michael Catholic Elementary School March 19.
The school’s gym was a beehive of activity with 22 teams from 12 schools participating in competitions designed to test students’ knowledge of robotics. It was a fantastic display of innovation, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving – and a little friendly rivalry.
When it was all over, the Derivative Droids team of Joshua Maxwell and Dean Thompson from Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School came out on top in the junior division. Holy Name Catholic Elementary School’s RoboHawks6 team of Jayden Braimoh and Noah Shugaa finished second, and Patricia, entered by Mary Ward Catholic Elementary School’s team of Kate MacDonald, Giuliana Stirpe, Nora Ten Dem, and Claire Liu finished third. Thanks to coaches Jeff Maxwell, Dan Arscott, and Jeff O’Neil for their outstanding coaching.
In the Intermediate category, first place was claimed by Control+Alt+Defeat from St. Martin Catholic Elementary School, under the guidance of coach Celena Bonadio and Adriana Weber. Speedy McQueen from Mary Ward Catholic Elementary School, coached by Jeff O'Neil, with Blaise Kamatovic, Evan Leon, and Jason Jia on the team. Third place went to the Robo Knights from Alexander Kuska Catholic Elementary School, coached by Bruno Stranges. The team members were Alessandro Barbieri, Nalyah Kyeni, Hunter Root, Thaia Vandenbelt, and Austin Mitchell.
Niagara Catholic held its first VEX Robotics competition for elementary students in 2015. The winners in each category will move on to the Skills Ontario competition in May. The future of STEM is bright, and these talented students are leading the way!