RED SPRINGS — The Public Schools of Robeson County’s Robotics Expo brought together creativity, innovation, and teamwork as students from across the school district showcased their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Held at Red Springs High School, the event featured an impressive 23 teams from elementary, middle, and high schools, participating in various divisions of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, Explore, and FIRST Tech Challenge.
Highlights included:
● 7 FIRST LEGO League Challenge Teams
● 11 FIRST LEGO League Explore Teams
● 5 FIRST Tech Challenge Teams (including CIS Academy)
Each team demonstrated technical skills, collaboration, problem-solving, and enthusiasm for STEM. Multiple awards were given across the divisions to recognize outstanding achievement.
Elementary & Middle School Awards:
● Peterson Elementary ○ Roaring Robots: 1st Place Robot Performance, Mini-Effort and Learning Award, Jr-Teamwork Award
● Rowland Norment Elementary ○ Water Spider Boys: Coding Award ○ Dress to Impress Underwater: Model Award ○ The Science Kids: Inquiring Minds Award
● Rex-Rennert Elementary ○ Ruffaloes: Breakthrough Award ○ Buffalo Builders: Coach Award
● Lumberton Jr High ○ V-Tech Bots: Robot Design Award
● Long Branch Elementary ○ Steaming Eagles: Inquiring Minds Award
● Carroll Middle ○ Robotitans: Innovate Award
● Red Springs Middle ○ Mighty Imps of the Abyss: Engineering Excellence Award
● W.H. Knuckles Elementary ○ LEGO Robotics: Construction Innovation Award
● Southside Ashpole ○ STEAM Team: Core Values Award ○ Southside Ponies: Team Spirit Award
● Prospect School ○ Labcats: Champion Award and Coach Award
● East Robeson Elementary ○ Building Beavers: Effort and Learning Award, Innovate Award
Top Robot Runs
● 1st Place: Roaring Robots – Peterson Elementary
● 2nd Place: Labcats – Prospect
● 3rd Place: Ruffaloes – Rex-Rennert
High School Awards:
● 1st Place: Lumberton High School
● 2nd Place: Purnell Swett High School
● 3rd Place: St. Pauls High School
● Red Springs High School: Robot Innovation Award
● CIS Academy: Robot Design Award
● Coaches Award: Lumberton High School and St. Pauls High School
The Robotics Expo was more than a competition—it was a celebration of learning, innovation, and student potential realized.
“My parents loved this! One parent saw their shy student speak to the judge about something she added to the board and that parent was floored! On my team, there are Exceptional Children to Academically and Intellectually Gifted students, shy to outgoing (students), and everything in between. But for three hours in a chilly high school gym in Red Spring, they were all on an equitable playing field sharing what they learned and how it changed them; I loved it!” said Sybil King, who serves as a Long Branch Elementary School academic coach and robotics coach.
PSRC Science Supervisor Susan Miller-Hendrix said she was impressed by the teamwork and the clear demonstration of student mastery during the robotics runs at the competition.
“Congratulations to all teams, coaches, and schools who participated and helped make this event a success!” Miller-Hendrix said. “This event was a wonderful opportunity for our students to code in real time and put their skills to the test. Innovation was on display, and I couldn’t be more proud of our students and excited about all they will do in the future,” she said.