Hartselle Junior High School students continue to blaze trails in the field of robotics.

The school’s robotics team, a combination of bright sixth, seventh and eighth graders, are headed to the Southeast BEST competition at Auburn University next month after sweeping six awards at the North Alabama BEST competition at Wallace State Community College last week.

Only three years into the robotics program, the team captured first place in overall performance, first place in team exhibit and interview and first place in marketing presentation. It also brought home a second place award for best robot and a third place award for best T-shirt design.

What’s so remarkable about their accomplishments is the fact that they competed against 12 high school teams. Only two other junior high teams were involved.

The robotics team is made up of 65 students. These students met twice weekly after school hours for eight weeks to develop a design for their robot and develop skills needed to put the robot through its paces in competition. This year’s robot was named “Wall-E” from a Disney film and responded well to its drivers during competition. Refinements are still being made as students continue to meet and prepare for southeast competition at AU.

Sponsor Elisa Harris credited her students’ success to a strong desire to excel and work together as a team. She also acknowledged that the program has received tremendous support from parents, especially those with engineering backgrounds.

It’s nothing short of amazing what kids can do when they set the minds to a challenge. Congratulations Hartselle Junior High and best luck of luck when you compete at Auburn Dec. 2-3.