Students tops in state robotics competition

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown High School robotics team competed against 50 Connecticut high schools Dec. 18 at Daniel Hand High School in Madison in a state-qualifying event, emerging as champions.

In addition to being overall champions, the school won an award as the top-ranked scoring team in the robot skills challenge award competition. The championship qualified the team for the regional championships in the spring, according to a news release.

Winning team members are Kyle Dale, Simon Getter, Jared Lyding, Enjie Wang, Ian Corvo and Thomas Debo.

“I was very pleased,” Technology Education teacher Samuel Faulkenberry, the team’s adviser, said in a prepared statement. “The competition was at a very high level, with over 50 schools competing.”

Among the high school robotics teams Middletown High defeated were Masuk High of Monroe, Choate-Rosemary Hall, CREC Academy of Science and Innovation, New Canaan High School, Southington High School and Daniel Hand High.

“Phenomenal job,” wrote newly elected Board of Education member Edward Ford to Faulkenberry and the team. “I am very proud of the hard work and dedication you’ve displayed. You have all represented Middletown extraordinarily well. Continue to strive for success and congratulations.”

The VEX Robotics qualifier, another step in the process, will take place at Middletown High School Jan. 6.

“This is an amazing opportunity for students to integrate STEM-orientated concepts with team building and collaboration skills,” Faulkenberry said in the release.

File photo Middletown High School .