CAMS 6th grade Robotics team is on the way to State Finals after a second place overall.

With significant funding from the 4H program to set up the two teams, the Central Academy Middle School 6th grade Robotics Team will go forward to the state championships at James Madison University on December 6 and 7. The sixth graders placed second overall in the competition Saturday against seven other teams. The 7th and 8th grade team had a second in project research. The groups of students were all smiles Monday morning.

Using a theme of climate change in our region, the robotic team chose and apple orchard that expanded with rain and then shrunk from drought.

The students on the sixth grade team will compete over a two day week end at the finals for the state. Technology teacher Randy Brinkley said the technology and science robotics is very important in keeping American students globally competitive. One of the students declared at the competition on Saturday, the one who wins will be the one having the most fun!” Indeed each of the members of the two CAMS teams said it was fun to be in robotics.

The competition is called the FLL or the First Lego League was started by the same fellow who made the Segway transport. “What robotics does,” said Brinkley, “is make science cool.” Other teachers who helped with the two teams are Wendy Grimshaw a math teacher, Pat Hammond, a science teacher and Bryan Beemer a science teacher.

6th grade team moving on to the state level: Joseph Hunsicker, Kristen Martin, Anne Claire Grumbine, Shannon Norton, Tyler Overstreet, Nathan Thacker, Jacob Peery, Thomas Harrison, Austin Britt and Molly Austin.

7th and 8th grade team: Colin Anderson, Annie Quisenberry, Chris Thrasher, Sam Malloy, Joe Kettleson, Austin Scruggs, Brooks Weiler, Cassidy Holley, Nila Wilson and Heather Dunbar.

7th and 8th grade robotics team at CAMS.

OTHER RECENT CENTRAL ACADEMY C0VERAGE:
* Nov. 10: Photo of Central Academy students at art museum opening
* Oct. 21: Central Academy spirit day stretched into pep rally
* Oct. 17: Photos from the Central Academy – Read Mountain football game
* Oct. 10: Central Academy passes AYP
* Oct. 3: Central Academy defeats Glenvar Middle School in football 33-0
* Sept. 29: Photos from the Teen Scene dance