Oxford, AL – The inaugural Calhoun County Robotics Tournament took place on April 11th, uniting 14 teams from various schools across the county in a compelling display of engineering and innovation. Hosted by CREATE, this landmark event signifies the region’s dedication to STEM education and hands-on learning experiences for students. This tournament provided a platform for young engineers to showcase their robotic creations in a series of competitive challenges, demonstrating their problem-solving capabilities, teamwork, and technical skills in a dynamic environment.
Krista Mintz, Tournament Manager and a math and computer science teacher at Oxford High School, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “This tournament represents an incredible opportunity for students to apply their STEM knowledge in real-world scenarios. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm from students and the support from our community to make this event a success. Our goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields and foster a passion for innovation.”
Mintz elaborated on the importance of the tournament, noting that it serves not only as a competition but also as a celebration of collaboration among schools. “We have organized several robotics competitions for middle and high school students over the past few years, but this is different. We wanted to host a county tournament to promote the growth of robotics within Calhoun County and provide an avenue for students to showcase their skills on a larger stage.”
Britt Young, the head coach of the robotics team for Oxford High School and a CREATE Robotics Teacher, emphasized the dedication of the students in preparing for the event. “Many of these students have invested hundreds of hours in developing their skills and their robots. They have faced numerous challenges during the design and building process, learning valuable lessons about perseverance and teamwork. I am immensely proud of their efforts, and I am glad they are getting the opportunity to showcase that hard work to the community through this event.”
Young also highlighted the broader implications of the tournament for the students’ future careers. “This event is not just about competition; it is about preparing students for the real world. We want them to understand the relevance of robotics and automation in various industries. Our aim is to create a pathway for students to pursue careers in robotics and engineering, which are fields that continue to grow and evolve rapidly.”
The tournament attracted participants from various schools, including Donoho High School. Iataun Casesay, a student from Donoho, shared his enthusiasm about the robotics games, stating, “I like how the games are situated every year where you can drive through a lot. My favorite part would definitely be driving.”
Students from Alexandria High School were also present, and they expressed their excitement about competing in the upcoming World Championship. Davis Stone, an Alexandria student, described the significance of the competition, saying, “Worlds is the competition where the top competitors from the United States and the majority of countries come together to figure out who is the best in the world. It is really cool!” Stone elaborated on the structure of the competition, noting that there are 800 teams participating, each placed in their respective divisions of 80 teams. The winners of these divisions compete for the championship title in front of an audience of 100,000 people in Dallas, Texas.
Brie Peavy, also from Alexandria, added, “Not only do you get to compete with robots, but you get to learn about new cultures and meet a lot of new people. Networking is a big part of the experience; you have to learn how to communicate with those who don’t speak your language. That’s one of the fun aspects of it!”
Community engagement is a key aspect of the tournament, and Jeanna McEwen, assistant director at the local library, expressed her gratitude towards the sponsors and community members who made the event possible. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, including Calhoun County Commissioner Danny Shears, Noble Bank, the CREATE Center, and the City of Oxford. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life. It is important for our students to showcase their hard work, and I am proud to see my son participating in this event. Over the years, I have witnessed his growth in robotics, and it is truly inspiring.”
McEwen also underscored the importance of community involvement in fostering student success. “The presence of community members at events like this reinforces the idea that we are all invested in the future of our youth. It is essential for students to know that their hard work and dedication are recognized and celebrated by their community.”
As the tournament approached, excitement built among participants and supporters alike. Oxford City Councilwoman Charlotte Hubbard expressed her enthusiasm for the countywide event, stating, “This tournament is an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their talents and hard work. It is thrilling to see CREATE reaching more students and fostering an interest in robotics and engineering.”
Councilmember Mike Henderson remarked on the impressive capabilities of the participating students, saying, “It is remarkable to witness the level of innovation and creativity displayed by these young engineers. We have come a long way with our educational programs, especially in technology, and I am proud that our city is leading the way in providing these opportunities for our students.”
Calhoun County Commissioner Danny Shears echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the broader implications of the event. “This countywide tournament showcases the talents of students from various schools and highlights the need for skilled individuals in the robotics field. It is an exciting time for all involved, and we are proud to support this initiative that not only benefits students but also strengthens our community as a whole.”
The tournament not only served as a platform for students to showcase their skills but also aimed to create stronger partnerships between robotics programs across the county. According to Young, the ultimate goal is to prepare students for careers in robotic automation, an area where there is a growing demand for skilled workers. “By fostering collaboration between schools and industry leaders, we aim to create a talent pipeline that meets the needs of our local economy. Our students will be equipped with the skills and certifications necessary to thrive in the workforce.”
As the day of the tournament unfolded, participants and spectators alike were treated to a showcase of innovation and creativity. Teams competed in various challenges, demonstrating their robotic creations and the skills they had acquired over the months of preparation. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as students cheered for one another and celebrated their achievements.
The inaugural Calhoun County Robotics Tournament stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of educators, community members, and local leaders. It is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers, ensuring a bright future for the region. The event not only highlighted the talents of students but also reinforced the importance of community support in fostering educational initiatives. As the tournament concludes, the hope is that this becomes an annual tradition, further enriching the educational landscape of Calhoun County.
