Elementary and middle school robotics teams compete at the SCORE Showdown at Great Wolf Lodge, presented by Hyundai
CONTRIBUTED BY COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS OUTREACH
LAGRANGE, Georgia — Elementary and middle school robotics teams from 11 states and two Canadian provinces gathered in LaGrange, Georgia, Dec. 17–20 to compete in the Hyundai Presents the SCORE Showdown at Great Wolf Lodge. This VEX Robotics Competition Signature Event showcased 116 of the most talented and dedicated student robotics teams. Students battled on elaborate playing fields designed to challenge their engineering skills and strategic thinking after countless hours of practice, engineering redesign, and team collaboration.
The competition was hosted by the Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (SCORE) at Auburn University, which aims to foster robotics education and promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) and SCORE share an ongoing partnership to provide robotics education opportunities, helping students increase their interest in STEM subjects and careers. These initiatives aim to develop the future workforce for highly skilled jobs in industries supported by HMMA and other advanced manufacturers.
Signature events are a unique type of competition developed by the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation that bring VEX robotics teams from around the world together to compete for a chance to attend the VEX World Competition. These events are known for their scale, prestige and competitive intensity. The REC foundation strives to create a future where every student designs and innovates as part of a team, overcomes failure, perseveres and emerges confident in their ability to meet global challenges. Through sustainable, affordable and accessible robotics programs, the REC Foundation is inspiring students, one robot at a time.
“Educational and competitive robotics help children develop the value of hard work, teamwork and creativity, while fostering curiosity and critical thinking,” said Matthew Buckley, a program administrator at SCORE and event director. “We hope events like the SCORE Showdown will expose children to STEM at an early age.”
One competitor that has been influenced through robotics is Emma Kim, 14, from South Forsyth Middle School. “I have been interested in engineering since I was young. When I had the chance to join a robotics team I jumped on it. I am so glad to be here and meet new people who share my interests.”
The event was open to the public, allowing families, educators and STEM enthusiasts to witness firsthand the talent and dedication of these young competitors.
The recipient of the Sportsmanship Award was the four-member Otwell Middle School team from Cumming, Georgia. The team was praised for their exemplary cooperation. Vihaan, age 12, remarked, “Robotics helped me learn about teamwork. When you work together, you achieve better outcomes.”
Cameron, 13, also from Otwell Middle School, added, “Robotics has helped me grow as a person and prepare for my future career. I’m excited to go to school every day to work with my team.”
Their coach, Tony Collins, who has been involved in robotics for ten years, said, “Robotics provides experiences that students can’t find in the classroom. It’s a wonderful outlet for advanced minds to make crucial connections that prepare them for the future. I love seeing students find their place and people.”
The SCORE Showdown also served as a celebratory occasion for HMMA to witness firsthand the remarkable impact of its educational investments and partnerships, which help nurture a diverse and skilled future workforce.
Education Briefs
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Belmont University recently released the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester. Dean’s List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. Local students included on the list are Matthew Oliver of Opelika and Anna Jones of Auburn.
CLEVELAND, Tennessee — Lee University congratulates Emma Phillips of Salem on earning Dean’s List honors during the Fall 2024 semester. Dean’s List recognition is earned by full-time, undergraduate students with a semester grade point average between 3.7 and 4.0.
TUSCALOOSA — This spring, 139 University of Alabama students will receive hands-on, innovative and advanced educational experiences with dozens of companies and organizations across the United States through UA’s Cooperative Education Program during the spring 2025 semester. Local students participating include Connor Brown of Auburn, who will work for AFL and Kylin Fears of Opelika, who will work for Mercedes Benz, U.S. International.
DAHLONEGA, Georgia — For the Fall 2024 semester, the University of North Georgia awarded more than 900 degrees and certificates to graduates. More than 650 of the graduates participated in the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies held Dec. 7, including Ashley Panzica of Auburn, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.
DEMOREST, Georgia — Katherine Powell of Auburn is among nearly 260 Piedmont University students who earned a GPA of 3.50-3.99 to qualify for the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester.
DAHLONEGA, Georgia — Dongjun Shin of Opelika has been named to the President’s Honor Roll at the University of North Georgia for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average during fall 2024 semester.
ROME, Georgia — Berry College’s Dean’s List honors students who posted an academic average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours during the semester. Included on the Dean’s List for fall 2024 semester were Laura Davidson of Auburn and Hannah Snook of Opelika
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — Ethan Clark, a sophomore accounting major from Auburn, was among approximately 720 Bob Jones University students named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List, which recognizes students who earn a 3.00-3.74 grade point average during the semester.
