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MISD hosts first ever robotics competition for elementary students

MISD hosts first ever robotics competition for elementary students

MISD hosts first ever robotics competition for elementary students

Historic event showcases young innovators from across West Texas

January 28, 2025 – For the first time in district history, Midland ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program hosted a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics competition that included teams from elementary schools. Held at Barbara Yarbrough Elementary, the event brought together 25 teams from across the Midland area, highlighting the creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills of young robotics enthusiasts.

The competition was made possible through the collaboration of volunteers from Midland ISD CTE, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron Permian Basin. Additionally, students from Midland High School, YWLA, and the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) played a crucial role as volunteers, helping ensure the event’s success and fostering an atmosphere of learning and innovation.

“Today’s competition marks a major milestone for STEM education in Midland ISD,” said CTE Executive Director Jeff Horner. “By including elementary teams, we are inspiring students at an earlier age and providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in STEM fields. We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, community partners, and robotics coaches for making this event possible.”

The event featured impressive performances from all teams, culminating in the following awards:

  • Breakthrough Award – Pease Communications & Technology Tigers
  • Champion’s Award – Bowie Fine Arts Build Dogs 2
  • Core Values Award – Bush Elementary Star Rush
  • Engineering Excellence – UTPB STEM Team 2
  • Innovation Project Award – Yarbrough Elementary Yarbroughbots 2
  • Motivate Award – Milam Academy Ocean Guardians
  • Rising All-Star Award – UTPB STEM Team 1
  • Robot Design Award – Parker Elementary Young Parker Chiefs
  • Robot Match Award – Fannin Elementary Mighty Mustang Robotics
  • Coach of the Year Award – Bush Elementary Coach Tami Anderson

The following teams have advanced to the FLL Panhandle Area Championship on February 15 in Lubbock at Lubbock Cooper High School:

  • Bush Galactic Challengers and Bush Star Rush
  • Bowie Bulldogs Team 1 and Bowie Bulldogs Team 2
  • Carver Just Keep Swimming
  • Fannin Mighty Mustangs
  • Pease Team 2
  • Yarbrough Yarbroughbots Team 2

Mark your calendars for more robotics excitement! The FIRST Tech Challenge South Area Qualifying Meet will take place at the Midland Horseshoe on February 8. Students, coaches, and parents are invited to cheer on high school competitors as they showcase their skills and strive for excellence.

Midland ISD’s Elementary Robotics teams, events, and instruction have been made possible through the generous sponsorship and support of ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and Pioneer Natural Resources.

For more information about the event or how to get involved, please contact Jeff Horner, Midland ISD CTE Executive Director, at 432-240-1350 or jeff.horner@midlandisd.net

About FIRST LEGO

FIRST LEGO Robotics competitions challenge students to design, build, and program LEGO-based robots to solve real-world problems, helping them develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills—key attributes for future STEM leaders.

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Media Contact:
Sam Eaton
Communications Specialist
432-240-1043 | samuel.eaton@midlandisd.net

All students will graduate college, career, or military ready.

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