Robotics Teams Begin With Wins

The machine pictured above is the VEX IQ Robot called Snapshot. Snapshot is a standard build future robot from VEX IQ Robotics that helps students develop basic skills to build future robots. In VEX Robotics there are no instructions, and students are encouraged to think outsidethe-box and to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for their future.

The Jackson Prep VEX Robotics teams swept the first tournament of the season with four major awards.

Team 2035B, “VEX Girl Power,” (photo at left) won The Excellence Award, the highest award in the VEX system. They also won Tournament Champion, qualifying them for state championships. Team members are Leighton Marion and CeCe Stansell.

by Bill Richardson Technology Teacher

Team 2035A, “MIB,” (photo on page 51) won the Design Award for the best engineering notebook, and Tournament Finalist. Team members are Aiden Dungey, Ethan Graves, Bernie Jones, Jonathan Nations, and Bennett O’Quinn.

Santa Slapshot

PHOTOS BY BILL RICHARDSON

On December 3, Jackson Prep hosted the Jackson Prep Santa Slapshot tournament. This was Prep’s second tournament in the worldwide VEX IQ Robotics circuit. Twenty-five teams from Jackson Prep, Madison County, and the Hattiesburg area attended, with over 150 students competing in the tournament.

The Jackson Prep teams continued their hot streak, winning several major awards.

Top award (Excellence Award ) was won by Jackson Prep team 2035B - VEX Girl Power, whose members include Leighton Marion and CeCe Stansell.

Tournament Championship was won by Jackson Prep and Old Towne Middle School (JP and Olde Towne Middle teams were working together). Jackson Prep 2015A - Minions members include Bennett O’Quinn, Jonathan Nations, Ethan Graves, Aiden Dungey, Bernie Jones, and JT Tyra.

Design Award (Best Engineering Notebook) was won by Jackson Prep team 2015A - Minions. Both Jackson Prep teams are now qualified to move on to MS VEX IQ State Championships in March!

Looking Ahead

The future looks bright for the Prep Robotics program. Prep 6th graders (above) are already being prepared for advanced robotic skills, coding, and competition.