Lego League competition demonstrates problem-solving skills

By John Earp

This past Saturday, students from Jal Schools participated in a Lego League competition. Students’ problem-solving and programming skills are challenged to build robots with Legos that must maneuver through obstacle courses and perform programmed tasks. Coach Johnny Estrada heads up the Lego League program for Jal Schools, along with Mrs. Adriana Faulkner. Estrada gave a report on the Lego League competition to the Jal School Board this past Monday at their monthly meeting. Estrada said the Robotics Competition was “awesome.” There were nine teams representing Jal at the event, including both junior high and elementary school. Estrada says he hopes to be able to host a competition next year that will include students from other districts in our region. He is also hoping to expand with another eighth-grade robotics competition next school year. He thanked School Board Member Rene Cervantes for supporting the Robotics Program and the event. Principal Karen Komar said the event was excellent, and said getting kids and parents excited about the program. Cervantes, who was present at the board meeting, said that to him it was like a basketball tournament, and that he can’t wait to attend the statewide event in Albuquerque. He said the excitement and friendly, competitive spirit between the teams, as they exhibited their problem-solving skills was great to see. High School Principal Buddy Little commented as well about the problem-solving skills demonstrated by the teams, which is an important part of the students’ development. Little said that he is working to make it to where top-qualifying teams will be awarded with a trip to Sea World.