Mission, Texas- The Alton Memorial Jr. High School (AMJH) Robo-Rangers made a little district history during the annual UTRGV Hispanic Engineering Science and Technology (HESTEC) Robotics Day competitions. The AMJH Green Robo-Rangers beat out over 60 other teams from high schools and middle schools to earn the top prize at the highly competitive robotics event. While the district has been highly competitive for several years in this particular robotics event, this marks the first time that a Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) robotics team has been awarded the grand champion trophy. Robotics in Mission CISD began in 2013 as a small migrant services program at AMJH. Now robotics is offered at all Mission CISD schools, including the elementary schools.
The AMJH Green Robo-Rangers combined score included their first place finish in the LEGO Pull Challenge which is a part of the LEGO Quadraton. The Quadraton requires a robot that can complete four challenges. The students construct a robot that can run the four courses without adding or removing spare parts. The weight of the robot cannot be modified and had to meet strict criteria. In their first place Pull Challenge finish, the team’s robot had to drag a one pound weight over a 10 foot distance in the quickest time.
The HESTEC robotics competition is the first big one in the robotics competition season. Yes, robotics has a competitive season. Since 2013, Mission CISD robotics teams have earned trophies and a reputation for excellence locally, regionally, and throughout the state. Teams from AMJH and/or Mission Junior High School have also advanced to the National Science Bowl competition each of the past three years.
The members of the AMJH Green Robo-Rangers are: Captain - Damian Luna (8th), Angel Alanis (8th), Alvaro Escobedo (8th), Lesley Adame (8th), and Nathaly Ramirez (7th). Their coaches are: Robert Granados, Sammy Rivera, Samantha Granados, Noe Pena, and David Bridgewater.
Pictured are the AMJH Green Robo-Rangers as they were awarded the Grand Champion honors at the 2016 HESTEC Robotics Day competitions.
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