North Carolina Students Sweep Robotics Competition

Students from across North Carolina's Robeson County didn't just build robots. They built confidence, teamwork skills, and a vision of their own futures in science and technology.

The Public Schools of Robeson County recently hosted their annual Robotics Competition and Expo at Red Springs High School, bringing together elementary, middle, and high school teams for a day of problem-solving and creativity. Students competed in Explore and Challenge divisions, showcasing everything from programming skills to innovative project designs.

Peterson Elementary's Roaring Robots swept multiple categories, earning awards in both divisions for their robot designs. The Tech Divas from Orrum Middle School took home the Breakthrough Award, while Fairmont Middle School's Tinker Coders claimed the Champion Award.

But the competition was just the beginning. Families and students crowded around interactive STEM tables where they built slime, launched straw rockets, and assembled miniature Mars helicopters.

"A highlight of the day was the interactive STEM table, where participants built and tested slime, straw rockets and Mars helicopters, sparking curiosity and excitement for engineering and design," said Susan Miller-Hendrix, the district's Science Supervisor. The hands-on activities turned abstract concepts into tangible fun.

High school robotics teams from Robeson Early College and Lumberton High School brought their advanced robots to demonstrate for younger students. These demonstrations gave elementary and middle schoolers a glimpse of what they could achieve in just a few years.

The event also recognized Coach Ziena Walker with a special Coach's Award for her dedication to student success in robotics. Her leadership represents the educators helping students discover their potential in STEM fields.

The Ripple Effect

Events like this do more than crown winners. They plant seeds of possibility in communities where STEM careers might feel out of reach.

When elementary students see middle schoolers programming robots, and middle schoolers watch high school teams showcase advanced engineering, they see their own pathway forward. The competition creates a pipeline of inspiration, with each age group mentoring the next.

These students are developing skills that employers desperately need: critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. They're learning that failure is part of innovation, that teamwork matters, and that they're capable of more than they imagined.

The excitement in Red Springs extends beyond one day of competition. It builds momentum for year-round learning, classroom engagement, and dreams of future careers in technology, engineering, and science.

Today's slime builders and straw rocket launchers are tomorrow's engineers, programmers, and innovators solving real-world problems.