SGES, SGMS Robotics Teams build their way to success

STE. GENEVIEVE — The Ste. Genevieve Middle School (SGMS) and Ste. Genevieve Elementary (SGE) competitive robotics teams have demonstrated remarkable innovation, teamwork, and perseverance this season, bringing home multiple awards and earning a spot at the state competition.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, the SGMS Dragonbots received the esteemed Create Award, which recognizes a team that develops a creative engineering design solution to the competition’s challenges. This award highlights their unique approach to game objectives, problem-solving, teamwork, and professionalism.

Out of 30 teams, Kanaan Kwan, Elliot Rayoum, and Cameron Kueker stood out with the most innovative robot design. Kanaan’s vision led the team through multiple prototypes and failures before achieving a functional and competitive robot.

Meanwhile, the SGE Robotics Team has earned a place at the state competition, set for Feb. 21-22. Congratulations to Tess Richardson, Brooke Grither, Gunner Gegg, Micah Kertz, Miles Ditch, Collin Gegg, Lucas Weber, and Harrison Weibrecht for their dedication and hard work throughout the season. Since attending a robotics camp this summer, these students have spent countless hours designing, building, testing, driving, coding, and documenting their progress in detailed engineering notebooks. Some even arrive early before school each day to refine their robots. These students compete primarily against other schools’ middle school teams—many of which offer robotics as a dedicated class.

Our competitive robotics teams have already secured two Create Awards, an Amaze Award, and a Sportsmanship Award this season. Their commitment to innovation and problem-solving is inspiring, proving that with determination, a simple bin of parts can transform into a fully functional robot.

The district is incredibly proud of these students and their achievements. We wish the SGE Robotics Team the best of luck at state!