On March 15th, Maggie Walker’s robotics team, the Mech Tech Dragons, hosted its first off-season event: the First Lego League (FLL) scrimmage. Elementary students on nearby robotics teams were invited to showcase their technical skills in a friendly competition. With this robotics season’s theme being CARGO CONNECTSM, students had to build and code intricate robots made of Legos to complete transportation-related challenges. All teams would perform round-robin-style table runs, each run being two minutes and thirty seconds for robots to complete as many challenges as possible. After and between table runs, the teams had the opportunity to enjoy themselves by going to fun rooms. There was also an option to unwind with coloring sheets or bust a move with just dance, with “Among Us” by Moondai on YouTube being a fan favorite. At the end of the scrimmage, there was an awards ceremony so that all teams would receive commendations.

MLWGS senior Rahul Sunilkumar was one of the primary event planners for the scrimmage. “This scrimmage event is a different and auxiliary opportunity for more kids to get in on the fun,” Sunilkumar said. “It was geared towards younger kids seeking STEM exposure, inexperienced teams preparing for official tournaments, and those that are seeking a remix of our normal tournament.”

Along with the students, coaches enjoyed the event, with one of the coaches sending kudos to Sunilkumar. Participating in FLL was a positive experience for many of the students involved. “One time, two kids ran to their dads to get their phones, and excitedly ran back to show me pictures of the projects they’ve been working on,” Sunilkumar added about a fun memory of his. “Seeing them giggle over their work as their parents proudly smiled in the background was definitely a core memory of mine and it’s what makes me want to do it all over again.” As an FLL mentor, “you inspire students while witnessing firsthand their creativity and ingenuity.”