West Valley School Students Set to Shine at FIRST Lego League World Championships
KALISPELL — An enthusiastic group of students from West Valley School in Kalispell is gearing up for a monumental adventure. For the first time in the school’s history, they’ll represent Montana at the prestigious FIRST Lego League World Championships in Houston, Texas.
“It’s a big step; we’re the first team from our school to go, so there’s a lot of excitement in the air,” shared sixth grader Hap Pemble, one of the eight talented members of the team known as the “Gummy Sharks.”
Team Gummy Sharks: A Unique Blend of Skills
Hap plays an integral role in the team by focusing on innovation, board design, and research. Each team member brings their own passion and expertise to the table, united in their common goal of excelling against over 100 teams from around the globe.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking, but you have to remind yourself to have fun. Even though it’s intimidating to represent Montana, it’s also incredibly thrilling,” Pemble expressed, highlighting the mix of excitement and nerves that comes with such a significant opportunity.
Celebrating STEM Education
The FIRST Lego League is dedicated to bolstering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education by engaging students in the creation of robots that complete various tasks. Participants delve into coding and create presentations about their designs—a hands-on experience that equips them with invaluable skills for the future.
“I’m extremely proud of these kids. They’ve worked so hard and dedicated countless hours to prepare for this competition,” stated Gummy Sharks Coach Kris Keller, beaming with pride.
Funding the Adventure
To make this dream a reality, the team needs to raise $20,000 to cover travel expenses, overnight accommodations, and educational excursions to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Houston Zoo during the event. Coach Keller emphasizes that this project is extracurricular, illustrating the students’ commitment to their craft and their school.
“It’s exciting to see students work this hard outside of school and get this amazing opportunity,” Keller remarked.
Learning from Diverse Cultures
The journey isn’t just about competition for sixth grader Caleb Kruger. He looks forward to experiencing new cultures and meeting fellow participants. “I’m excited to see what unique ideas people bring and how they represent their countries," he said, embodying the spirit of unity and exploration that the competition fosters.
Meet the Team
The Gummy Sharks consist of a dynamic group of young minds:
- Fifth Grade: Kody Mangis
- Sixth Grade: Andrew Willis, Brandon Hemmelman, Hap Pemble, Owen Banek, Caleb Krueger
- Seventh Grade: Henry Weber
- Eighth Grade: Marcus Bedtelyon
Support the Gummy Sharks!
You can support this ambitious team on their quest to Houston. Donations are welcome, and those interested can reach out to Coach Keller directly at kkeller@westwalleyschool.com.
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