The VEX IQ Competition fosters student development of teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, project management, and communication skills required to prepare them to become the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Whitney Evans, the team’s advisor said, “I am so proud of the tenacity, diligence, and team work these young students have displayed throughout the season. They have faced many challenges, but have overcome them while learning and having fun along the way. To qualify to compete at the World Championship during our inaugural year is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to the caliber of students on the team!”

The Madison County Virtual Academy VEX IQ Competition team meets once or twice per week. While the students learn their curriculum in a virtual setting, they set aside time to come to the physical school building to collaborate with each other and work on the robot and programming.

“Teamwork, problem-solving, and ingenuity are all on display at a VEX IQ Competition event and students develop these skills all year long by participating on a robotics team,” said Dan Mantz, CEO of the REC Foundation. “Together, with the support of educators, coaches, and mentors, we’re fostering students’ passion for STEM at a young age to ensure that we have a generation that is dedicated to creating new discoveries and tackling life’s future challenges.”

The REC Foundation manages the VEX IQ Competition that many schools participate in around the world. VEX Competitions make up the world’s largest and fastest-growing competitive robotics programs for elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges around the world. There are more than 23,000 VEX teams from 58 countries that participate in over 2,300 events worldwide.

More information about the VEX Robotics Competition is available at roboticseducation.org.

About the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation
The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation’s mission is to increase student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, affordable, and sustainable robotics engineering programs.

“As a teacher, I was most proud of how all of the students worked together and supported each other,” Smith said. Ten schools with about 150 students participated.

In addition to their team honor, students earned Top 3 finishes in individual awards. Harrison Bock received third place in drag racing. In circuit track racing, Eli Brown was first-place winner, and Jaiden Lawrence claimed third place.

Mill Creek's Greenpower team includes fourth-graders Medha Akarapu, Tyler Barnard, Savannah Barnard, Harrison Bock, Austin Brown and Jaiden Lawrence; and fifth-graders Clark Asher, Eli Brown, Sophia Brown, Devansh Goyal, publicist and photographer Lillian McFadden, Evelyn Mustell, Nirvan Nagapuri and Julius Whitehorn. These students all drive and work in the pit crew (except McFadden).

Greenpower advances understanding of STEM topics and inspires innovation in youth with immersive experience of designing, building and racing electric-powered vehicles. The program provides students in grades 4-12 (also post-secondary) hands-on, project-based learning that engages students academically and builds critical employability skills, Smith said.

In addition, Greenpower promotes collaboration, communication and unity among team members. “These interpersonal skills will serve them well throughout their life and career,” Smith said.

The Mill Creek Greenpower Team is sponsored in part by grant funding from STEDTRAIN or “Science and Technology EDucation and TRAINing.”

Greenpower students rely on parent volunteers to transport race cars to/from races. “Before a race, cars undergo ‘scrutineering’ or a safety check. After our cars are cleared to race, all drivers meet for a final safety meeting. Students who aren't on the track will work as pit crew members and push their teammates to the start line,” Smith said.

The team relies heavily on parental support with maintenance, transportation and coaching. “Our program would not be possible without their help. Our parent volunteers include Chris Bock, Taryn and Wil Brown, Laura and Tom Barnard and Ryan and Cathy Brown,” Smith said.

About six years ago, Smith's sponsoring originated at a professional development workshop for Greenpower. “I was hooked,” she said. “This program gives students a unique opportunity to apply STEM concepts with their cars to real-life situations.”

“I also love that Greenpower is a family activity. Many of our parents attend every practice and have as much fun as the kids,” Smith said.

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The Mighty Mavericks include fourth-graders Savannah Barnard, Tyler Barnard, Harrison Bock, Austin Brown, Peter Gosier and Jaiden Lawrence, and fifth-graders Clark Asher, Eli Brown, Sophia Brown, Devansh Goyal, Evelyn Mustell and Julius Whitehorn.

Mike Potter watched his grandson Harrison Bock working with his team. “That group of kids was fantastic. They worked as a team, supported each other and encouraged all the other kids,” Potter said.

“Jacqueline Smith is a super teacher, mentor and leader. The experience was a real checkmark for Madison City Schools,” Potter said. “Mill Creek set a high bar in excellence.”

Mill Creek excelled in the following competition categories and used their fastest time for placement:

“The students were so excited about this win. Lots of great teams were at this race so my kids knew it was going to be a challenge,” Smith said.

Smith's students showed team spirit and supported each other. “We were all cold, wet and tired by the time scores were tabulated, but seeing the excitement on my kids’ faces when the overall team winner was announced was just priceless,” Smith said.

Funding for Mill Creek Greenpower Racing Team is provided in part by a grant from STEDTRAIN or “Science and Technology EDucation and TRAINing.”

The Mighty Mavericks said their most important lesson was learning how to work together as a team. “We learned a lot of new things, like how to build and race a car. Our team placed second in the Mad City Race. Our suggestion is to have more races for Goblin cars,” the team said.

The competition spirit hasn't diminished. Several of Smith's fifth-graders are applying for the middle-school Greenpower teams.