2012 Roaring Lions Robotics Team

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — December 11, 2012 — The Roaring Lions Robotics Team from E.A. White Elementary School took first place and earned the Champion's Award in the overall competition Dec. 1, at Columbus (Ga.) State University, according to Dr. Beth Middlemiss, Interim Director for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS) and Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS)-Cuba

Taking first place in the local Science and Technology First Lego League Robotics competition allows the White Elementary students to advance to the Super Regional Competition in Warner Robins, Ga., on Jan. 5, 2013. 

"Competition at the local, regional and state level is an awesome experience for these students," said E.A. White Elementary School Principal Glenn Hughes. "This provides the students an opportunity to work outside their classroom and share what they have learned with others. This year Mrs. (Marie) Hand and the students have mentored other students who have also been very successful in the competition. 

"Robotics is a part of our STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) curriculum," Mr. Hughes added.  "These elementary students are preparing for a career in a technological age which is ever-changing and improving."   

The First Lego League competition incorporates four judging components. The components include the Robotics missions' runs, the robot technical design, the core values of inspiration, teamwork and professionalism and the project component judges the students on research, innovative solution and presentation. 

"I'm delighted that the E.A. White students performed so well again this year," Dr. Middlemiss said. "These results reflect the strong interest and dedication of our students. They also reflect the exemplary support provided by White School staff and parents, as well as members of the Fort Benning community who do not have children in our schools but are there to provide support to our students as they create and develop their projects."