Karrie Meyers – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … The third annual FIRST LEGO League Middle School Robotics Tournament was hosted at Mile High Academy (MHA) in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, on February 2, bringing together six teams from across the region for a day filled with innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork. Sponsored by the Mid-America Union Conference and the Rocky Mountain Conference, the event challenged students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and push the boundaries of STEM learning.

The morning focused on final preparations and innovation project presentations, where students showcased their creative solutions to real-world problems in front of a panel of judges. By the afternoon, teams took to the gym floor for the much-anticipated robot competition, demonstrating their engineering skills and programming expertise.

While the tournament highlighted impressive robotics and coding skills, it also showcased the broader impact of STEM education. “The robotics program has helped our students improve their communication skills and creativity,” shared Chad Dungan of Omaha Memorial Adventist School in Omaha, Nebraska.

For students, the tournament was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to connect with peers and grow as innovators. MHA sixth-grader Maddie M. reflected, “I think the tournament was a great experience for kids to come together from other schools to compete and have fun. I learned how to work together as a team and be creative. I am looking forward to next year’s tournament and hope I can be a coder.”

The tournament results and award winners are as follows:

  • Core Values Award – Omaha Memorial Adventist School Angels were recognized for their enthusiasm and spirit—exemplified teamwork, discovery, inclusion, innovation, impact, and fun and always showing each other and other teams respect.
  • Innovation Project Award – Minnetonka Christian Academy Royals Robotics were honored for utilizing diverse resources for their Innovation Project to help them gain a comprehensive understanding of their problem; had a creative, well-researched solution; and effectively communicated their findings to judges and the community.
  • Robot Design Award – Omaha Memorial Adventist School Fusion Force team was recognized for using outstanding programming principals and solid engineering practices to develop a robot that is mechanically sound, durable, efficient, and highly capable of performing challenge missions.
  • Robot Performance Award – Vista Ridge Academy EngineEagles II celebrated scoring the most points during the Robot Game, in which the teams had a chance to compete in three 2.5-minute matches with their highest score counted.
  • Engineering Excellence Award – Mile High Academy Robostangs were recognized for their efficiently designed robot, innovative project solution that effectively addressed the season challenge, and core values evident in all they do.
  • Rising All-Star Award – HMS Richards Adventist School HMS Robo Squad were acknowledged as a team that the judges noticed and expect great things from in the future.
  • Champion Award – Vista Ridge Academy EngineEagles II was recognized as the team that best embodied the FIRST LEGO League Challenge experience by fully embracing the core values while achieving excellence and innovation in robot performance, robot design, and the Innovation Project.

Special congratulations go to the Vista Ridge Academy EngineEagles II and the Omaha Memorial Adventist School Angels, who earned invitations to compete at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship in Orlando, Florida, this May.

The success of this tournament was made possible by the dedicated volunteers, including MHA’s Upper School Advanced Robotics team, Rocky Mountain Conference, community members, parents, and MHA staff, who gave their time and support for the next generation of innovators.

“Robotics is more than just programming and competitions—it teaches critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance,” stated Jocelyn Aalborg, who in addition to being the tournament coordinator also serves as MHA’s Vice Principal of Finance & Development. “We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated and grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success.”

She continued, “As robotics grows in schools, the program not only teaches students valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking, but also helps develop important test-taking strategies and critical thinking abilities that will serve students well in all areas of academics.”

At the conclusion of the tournament, MHA principal Andrew Carpenter invited the teams to prepare for and return to MHA for the next FIRST LEGO League Challenge, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026.

CLICK HERE to watch the recent robotics tournament competition.

—Karrie Meyers is the marketing and development coordinator at Mile High Academy. Photos supplied.