Conway Middle School has been awarded a Bright Ideas Grant, with Grace Smith receiving $1,735 to support the school’s innovative robotics program. The grant will enhance opportunities for students to develop advanced coding skills, engage in STEM-based competitions, and collaborate on meaningful projects addressing real-world challenges.
During the recent check presentation, the robotics team provided an engaging tour of their work, showcasing practice tables and demonstrating how their robots navigate tasks. Students enthusiastically explained their programming processes, shared the robots' names, and discussed the unique challenges of robotics. Ms. Smith highlighted the complexity of ensuring robots function correctly, noting, “Even if you program them perfectly, the robots sometimes seem to have a mind of their own!”
The robotics program is designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and resilience while introducing students to engineering principles and programming. With the grant’s support, the team will continue to build their skills, develop innovative solutions, and prepare for competitions such as the FIRST Lego League (FLL). The program also aims to inspire a lasting interest in STEM fields by offering hands-on experiences and insights into future career opportunities.
Last year, the Conway Middle School robotics team, the Royal Techticians, achieved remarkable success, placing in the top 10 out of 60 teams at the FLL State Championship at NC A&T State University. Their dedication and teamwork have become a source of pride for the school and the broader community. Coach Smith expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing how their perseverance and collaboration contributed to their success.
The team plans to use the off-season to mentor younger students and refine their own skills, ensuring the program continues to grow and inspire. With the support of the Bright Ideas Grant, the robotics program at Conway Middle School is poised to make an even greater impact, empowering students to innovate and thrive in STEM disciplines.
