Rankin’s LEGO Robotics Team (MO’ Peeps) won first place in the State Competition on Saturday, December 14. They competed within a field of 48 top teams from across the state and won the Champion’s Award, the most prestigious award of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics competition.

Carman-Ainsworth Robotics Coach Leanne Welch explained, “The Champion’s Award encompasses the key elements of the Technical and Team Performance Awards, including Robot Design, Robot Performance Score, Project Presentation, and Teamwork. The team scored high in all areas.”

According to FIRST, the Champion’s Award honors the team that best “demonstrates the understanding and good practices of the wonders of science, technology, and engineering. The winning team members receive this highest honor and serve as valued role models for FIRST and FLL (FIRST LEGO League).”

As a result of winning this top honor, the Rankin LEGO Team was the only team in the state of Michigan selected to move on to the next level, the World Festival, to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, April 23-26, 2014. The team will be traveling to St. Louis to compete among teams representing other states as well as 35 countries

Team members include: Katie McGilvery, 8^th Grade; Jamie Arnold, 7^th Grade; Matthew Routt, 6^th Grade; Jerianne Ingram, 6^th Grade; Alyssa Snow, 5^th Grade; Brayden Raether, 5^th Grade; Noah Mattson, 4^th Grade; Isaac Dixon, 4^th Grade; Lydia Minzey, 4^th Grade; and Zachary Osborn, 4^th Grade. The Rankin FIRST LEGO League Robotics Team is coached by Leanne Welch, Andy Raether, and Erin Raether.

For additional information, contact the Carman-Ainsworth Rankin Elementary FIRST LEGO League Robotics Team Coach, Ms. Leanne Welch, at (810) 869-3818.