Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament: A Triumph of Robotics and STEM Education
Introduction
On January 20, 2024, the inaugural Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament electrified Carlos E. Haile Middle School in Manatee County, Florida. This momentous event marked the 1st stand-alone middle school VEX IQ competition in the county, capturing the spirit of innovation and friendly rivalry among young robotics enthusiasts.
The VEX IQ Challenge: Full Volume
The VEX IQ Competition, organized by the esteemed Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, has become a global phenomenon, captivating the minds of elementary and middle school students with its captivating engineering challenges. Each year, a new game is introduced, igniting creativity and problem-solving skills among young minds.
This year’s challenge, aptly named ‘Full Volume,’ demanded ingenuity and precision as teams navigated their robots through a series of obstacles, collecting and stacking objects to maximize their scores. The game not only tested the technical prowess of the participants but also emphasized teamwork, strategy, and resilience.
A Collaborative Effort: The Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament
The success of the Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament was attributed to the unwavering dedication of a remarkable team of individuals. Mr. Vasile, the robotics teacher at Haile Middle School, meticulously orchestrated the event, ensuring its smooth execution. He was ably supported by a dedicated group of STEM teachers, including Lynne Johnston, Erin Sutton, Lisa Wood, Hanna Cuervo, and Stacy Goode.
Furthermore, an exceptional IT team, led by Matt Bauer, Jeffrey Fry, and Tyler McLaughlin, ensured that technology functioned flawlessly, enhancing the overall experience for all participants.
Participating Schools: A Display of Robotics Excellence
The tournament witnessed an impressive turnout of schools eager to showcase their robotics prowess. Teams from Carlos E. Haile Middle School, Sugg Middle School, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, Pine View School, Skycrest Christian School, Brookside Middle School, Heron Creek, and New Age Robotics Club converged at the venue, their spirits high and their robots primed for action.
A total of 20 teams, each comprising four students, eagerly took on the driver and autonomous challenges, cheered on by their enthusiastic coaches, parents, and staff. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as teams maneuvered their robots with precision, demonstrating their mastery of robotics and programming skills.
Educational Value: Beyond Competition
The Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament transcended mere competition; it served as a profound educational experience for all participants. Designing, building, and operating robots within the ‘Full Volume’ game provided students with invaluable hands-on learning opportunities.
Students engaged in the engineering design process, applying their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to solve real-world problems. They learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and perseverance, skills that will undoubtedly benefit them in their future endeavors.
Moreover, the tournament served as a preparatory ground for the upcoming School District of Manatee County’s VEX IQ Full Volume Competition scheduled for February 13, 2024. Students gained valuable experience in a competitive setting, honing their skills and strategies in preparation for the district-level event.
Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing Excellence
The Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament culminated in a heartwarming awards ceremony, acknowledging the outstanding achievements of the participating teams. The following awards were bestowed upon deserving recipients:
1. Excellence Award – Regional Qualifier
* Team # 5729A Technology Tornadoez (New Age Robotics Club)
2. Teamwork Champion Award – Regional Qualifier
* Team #10635B The Mechanical Bulls (Dr. Mona Jain Middle School)
3. Design Award – Regional Qualifier
* Team # 2502C Haile Storm Charlie (Carlos E. Haile Middle School)
4. Robot Skills Champion
* Team #2502C Haile Storm Charlie (Carlos E. Haile Middle School)
5. Judges Award
* Team #34229A Vex Vipers (Pine View School)
Gratitude and Appreciation
The success of the Haile Storm VEX IQ Tournament would not have been possible without the unwavering support of numerous individuals and organizations. A heartfelt “Thank You” was extended to all the volunteers who tirelessly assisted in setting up, judging, running games, and cleaning up the school afterward.
Special recognition was given to Tony Vasile for his exceptional organizational skills and to Irene Nikitopoulos, the principal of Haile Middle School, for providing the stunning venue for the event.
The tournament’s organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to Jennifer McManis for submitting this remarkable Good News story, capturing the essence of the event and highlighting the achievements of the young participants.