For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Shanley, Director of Communications
269-415-5594
lisa.shanley@ppps.org
Paw Paw, MI – The FIRST Lego League Robotics program began in 2016 at Paw Paw Later Elementary (PPLE) and continues to be a source of pride for the school. Under the current leadership of Marissa Neidlinger, fourth grade teacher and coach of the Lego League program, two teams - The Robo Penguins and the Robo Sharks – competed last weekend against 18 other teams in a robotics competition. After stellar performances by both teams, the Robo Sharks team learned they had earned enough points to move on and compete at the State Competition in January.
According to Miss Neidlinger, the December 7 competition involved teams building and coding a robot, developing a solution to a real-world problem, and strengthening their skills in cooperation and teamwork. The Robo Penguins had a good fight and placed 11th with a top score of 160 points with the robot matches. Robo Sharks came in 8th place with a top score of 175 points. The Robo Sharks also impressed the judges with their teamwork and project innovation and won a first-place award for Core Values with their enthusiastic newscast performance.
Parents and team members also recognized the hard work and encouragement Miss Neidlinger provided throughout the season, and it earned her the Coaches Award. The biggest surprise of the night involved the Robo Sharks earning enough points to move on to the State Competition in January. Both teams did exceptionally well!
PPPS families and community members are welcome to attend the State Competition and support the Robo Sharks on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Mason High School in Mason, Michigan. Admission is free, and the event typically lasts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“With a districtwide focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education,” Paw Paw Superintendent Jeremy Davison said, “The robotics programs at all grade levels have experienced tremendous growth, and I am proud to say that PPPS students exemplify our district core values of integrity, community, success, innovation, and kindness through their impressive accomplishments”