ST. JOHN — After a successful weekend at the Indiana Robotics State Championship in Indianapolis, students from St. John the Evangelist School have qualified for the REC Foundation's VEX World Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas.
At the competition Saturday in Indianapolis, which was held at Lucas Oil Stadium, seventh graders Joseph Devine, Rocco DiTola, Gabriel Pingoy and Charlie Sheeran took home the "Amaze Award," eighth place in the teamwork challenge and a spot in the global competition.
Kids play with robots at the Lake County Library.
"I am incredibly proud of what these students have accomplished during their first year participating in robotics," Nicole Baly, the team's mentor, said. "They have spent countless hours designing, building, and programming a robot to excel in this year’s competition. The VEX IQ Challenge has engaged these students in STEM topics while teaching important critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which will benefit them throughout their lives."
People are also reading…
The team is currently seeking sponsors to help cover the costs of traveling to and competing in the world championship in Dallas. That event is scheduled for April 25 to May 4.
Gallery: The Times Photos of the Week
Old Lake County Jail
Sandy Boyd is president of the Old Sheriff's House Foundation, a nonprofit working to restore the historic sheriff's house and jail in Crown Point.
Old Lake County Jail
Ghost hunters leave cigarettes in the Old Lake County Jail to try to lure spirits.
Old Lake County Jail
Remnants remain at the Old Lake County Jail in Crown Point.
Old Lake County Jail
Sandy Boyd, president of the Old Sheriff's House Foundation, finds an old document under a bunk mattress at the Old Lake County Jail.
Highland's first-ever tattoo studio
Veteran Tina Brenda uses a template to begin a tattoo for a client at Nephilim Studios, the first tattoo shop in Highland.
Merrillville is drafting a new master plan
Merrillville is drafting a new master plan and wants input from residents. About 50 showed up for the kickoff session Thursday at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center.
Merrillville is drafting a new master plan
Linda Swisher jots down a suggestion for Merrillville's new master plan during a community forum Thursday.
Merrillville is drafting a new master plan
Merrillville Police Chief Kosta Nuses and MeLisa Crisler offer suggestions during a roundtable discussion Thursday on the town's new master plan.
Sports announcer Jason Benetti discusses cerebral palsy
Sports announcer Jason Benetti takes a selfie with Valparaiso Councilman Robert Cotton, D-2nd, following Benetti's presentation at Ivy Tech Community College.
Sports announcer Jason Benetti discusses cerebral palsy
Sports announcer Jason Benetti discusses how he has navigated his career while having cerebral palsy.
Sports announcer Jason Benetti discusses cerebral palsy
Audrey Sutherlin, 12, sports a Jason Benetti Fan Club T-shirt at Ivy Tech Community College in Valparaiso.
Paper or plastic? Students weigh in
Riley Hawksworth, a Chesterton High School senior, and teammate Milena Letic, a sophomore, confer before offering closing arguments iin a debate on single-use plastics.
Paper or plastic? Students weigh in
Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group President Walt Breitinger watches as Saanya Agarwal talks about her experiences as a state champion debater from Chesterton High School.
Paper or plastic? Students weigh in
Zander Fish counters arguments against a state ban on single-use plastics. It was the first time his parents were able to see the state champion debater in action.
Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail
Christine Livingston, vice president and marketing director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, gives an update on the Indigenous Cultural Trail project during the Indiana Dunes State of Tourism event.
Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail
Renderings show plans for the Indiana Dunes Indigenous Cultural Trail.
Downtown Hammond suffers departures, 'getting deserted,' but redevelopment looms
Many of the large buildings in downtown Hammond have emptied out over the years.
Downtown Hammond suffers departures, 'getting barren,' but redevelopment looms
Construction is underway on Hohman Avenue in downtown Hammond.
MC Rotarians honor Hulse
Clarence Hulse, executive director of the Economic Development Corp. of Michigan City, is flanked by Councilwoman Angie Deuitch and Rotary Club President Marty Corley.
Girls basketball Player of the Year Asia Donald
Girls basketball Player of the Year Asia Donald
