Merrimack Valley Life

St. Joe’s Robotic Eagles soar to state champs


St. Joseph Regional Catholic School’s Robotic Eagles robotics team stands in front of their “RePLAY” robot mission table. Members are (from left) Jacob Blais, Lilian Jones, Peter El-Achkar, William Cole, Avi Amin, Landon O’Donnell, Julia Balzano, Alison Joyner, Laura Balzano and Sophie Roscigno. Courtesy photo

St. Joseph Regional Catholic School’s Robotic Eagles robotics team stands in front of their “RePLAY” robot mission table. Members are (from left) Jacob Blais, Lilian Jones, Peter El-Achkar, William Cole, Avi Amin, Landon O’Donnell, Julia Balzano, Alison Joyner, Laura Balzano and Sophie Roscigno. Courtesy photo

St. Joseph Regional Catholic School’s robotics team, the Robotic Eagles, won the Robot Design award during the recent NH First Lego League (FLL) State Championship for their “…outstanding programming principles and solid engineering practices …”.

This 10-member team, composed of student-engineers in grades four to eight, has been researching, programming, building and collaborating for this First Lego League ‘RePLAY’ robotics season. Students are challenged to view their world and look for opportunities to play and be active — from open parks to cement courts, in our classrooms, and even when we’re waiting in line.

“This afterschool enrichment STEM program has been a part of our school since 2011, challenging and enriching our students,” explained Principal Mary Croteau. “We are grateful to coaches Mr. Roscigno and Mr. Kiefer for their leadership and guidance during this unique season which was completed virtually. They exemplified making the best of a less-thanideal situation.”

In FLL, children are immersed in real world science and technology challenges. Teams design their own solution to a current scientific question or problem and build autonomous LEGO® robots that perform a series of missions based on an annual theme. Through their participation, children can develop valuable life skills and discover exciting career possibilities while learning that they can make a positive contribution to society. Information is available at firstlegoleague.org.

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