Three CCSD middle schools off to Robotics World Championship

Clark County School District (CCSD) middle schools have their sights set on world domination in the universe of VEX IQ Robotics competition.

Lawrence and Heidi Canarelli Middle School, Mike O’Callaghan i3 Learn Academy and Walter Johnson Academy of International Studies are among the teams of middle school students who are one step closer to that goal after qualifying for the VEX World Championships based on their performances at the state championships. 

The schools will be at the world championships held in Dallas, Texas in May. This is Canarelli’s robotics team, better known as the Colt Squadron, third straight year going to the World Championship.

Mr. Jason Palmira, advisor for the Colt Squadron, says he is beyond proud of his team, comprised of 16 students and how well they have persevered throughout the competition season. The students were split into four teams for the state championship and one of the teams qualified for the world championship.

“This team has earned multiple awards this season, such as the Amaze Award, Create Award and the Design Award,” Palmira said.

O’Callaghan i3 Learn Academy’s robotics team has 16 students with four teams. The First Responders team most recently qualified for the VEX’s national and world competition.

“Our students have worked hard to consistently improve and practice their skills in designing and iterating their robots to become the very best,” Ms. Joan Drew, the robotics coach at O’Callaghan i3 Learn Academy, said.

Team 8871E will be representing Johnson Academy of International Studies in the competition.