Sixteen MPISD robotics teams representing E.C. Brice, Frances Corprew, Vivian Fowler, P.E. Wallace, and Mount Pleasant Junior High competed in the Texas Youth Robotics Alliance competition on Thursday, February 15 at Clarksville High School. The competition featured 28 teams of elementary and middle school students from the surrounding area. And at the end of the day, the Texas Stars placed 2nd giving Wallace Middle School its very first trophy in robotics competitions, and the second one of the year for MPISD teams. Additionally, the Wallace Blue Socks advanced to the semifinal match, finishing in the top 4.

At the end of three qualification matches, the top 16 teams advanced to the finals tournament, including six MPISD teams. Advancing to finals were the Corprew Cognibots (Josue Pintor, David Adame, Matthew Granados), Corprew Titans (Aryana Knieriem, Nylah Bell, Valeria Palacios, Abigale Yoder, Jace Kline), Corprew Mavericks (Joseph Adame, Jaime Gallardo, Jayceon Rockwell), Wallace Blue Socks (Wyatt Garey, Sebastian Sheppard, Keegan Holmes, Ranger Johnston), Wallace Pizza (Jake Jones, Krystopher Castro, Teyten Mettlen, Tana Contreras), and the Wallace Texas Stars (Carter Cameron, Thatcher Drange, Kael Aleman).

Also competing for MPISD were the Brice Amazing Spartans (Cesar Munoz, Jamari Meeks, Isaac Gomez), the Brice Bandits (Kade Jackson, Josiah McNary, Mason Diaz, Carter Chavez), the Brice Capybaras (Heasly Reyes, Avalyn Netro, Anna Henry, Judah Deal), the Brice Roboteers (Elizabeth Merino, Kaylyn Andrade, Paisley Hamilton, Sua Rosales), the Fowler Creative Coders (Bruno De la Hoya, Damian Martinez, Cristian De La Hoya), the Fowler Brilliant Builders (Mallory Mancera and Zuley Banda), the Fowler Terrific Tigers (Braedyn Reynolds and Aaron Mendoza), the Corprew Circuit Breakers (Allison Castaneda, Steven Lopez, Valeria Pineda, Draxton Craddock), the Wallace Coders (Kobe Duenez, Luis Fernandez, Ryan Hughes, Jimmy Gonzales), and the MPJH Hamburgers (Omar Castaneda, Aiden Lane, Heymar Rivera).

Robotics programs give students hands-on experience in applying essential Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts to real-world problems. In MPISD, students in the elementary and middle school Robotics program construct their robots from the ground up, design what they want it to look like, program it to complete certain tasks, and learn to drive it using iPad technology.

Qualifying MPISD Robotics teams will compete again at the regional competition at the Region 8 ESC on Friday, April 19. They are coached by Tara Flores at Wallace Middle School and Mount Pleasant Junior High and Jamie King at the elementary campuses.

Photos:

1: Aryana Knieriem (left) of the Corprew Titans guides their robot with the controller while teammates (L to R) Nylah Bell, Valeria Palacios, and Jace Kline look on.

2: Mallory Mancera (left) and Zuley Banda from the Fowler Brilliant Builders celebrate their robot completing a task.

3: The Brice Capybaras (L to R) Heasly Reyes, Anna Henry, Avalyn Netro, and Judah Deal, set up for their qualification match

4: (L to R) Jake Jones, Krystopher Castro, Tana Contreras, and Teyten Mettlen of Wallace Pizza cheer on their robot during the semifinals round.

5: The MPJH Hamburgers (L to R) Heymar Rivera, Aiden Lane, and Omar Castaneda maneuver their robot during the driver-controlled period.

6: Carter Cameron, Thatcher Drange, and Kael Aleman of the Wallace Texas Stars with their robot and 2nd place plaque.