Three CCSD Robotics Teams Advance to State Competition

<p><em>Woodstock Community News| Woodstock, GA</em></p><p>Three robotics teams from the Cherokee County School District are heading to Georgia Tech this weekend to compete for state honors. Students from R.M. Moore Elementary STEM Academy and Dean Rusk Middle School secured their spots in the First LEGO League statewide competition after earning top awards at regional events.</p><p>R.M. Moore’s "Arrowheads" team paved their path to state by earning the Champions trophy at regionals and placing first in robot design at super regionals. They are led by student captains Emma Cumbee and Griffin Donnelly, along with coaches David Cornn, Lauren Donnelly, and Donna Lownes. Dean Rusk Middle School is sending two teams: "Brick Navy," which won regional and super regional Core Values awards, and "Brick Army," recognized for Robot Design and Core Values. Teachers Teresa Hutto and Lauren Snider coach the middle school groups.</p><p>In the First LEGO League competition, students design and build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms system to complete specific missions on a tabletop field. Teams also present research projects, which focused this year on ocean exploration and ecosystem conservation. Trophies are awarded for robot design, core values, robot performance, and the research project, with a top "Champions" trophy for the highest overall score.</p><p>The regional and super regional qualifying events were coordinated by Mill Creek Middle School teachers Mark Markley and Ryan Brumbelow. Following their success at these levels, the local students will now represent Cherokee County against top qualifiers from across Georgia.</p>