News & Events

From Classroom to Competition: Jennings High Students Build a New Robotics Tradition

Michael Romine, a high school teacher in Jennings, LA, launched a new robotics opportunity for students. The goal was to show them the possibilities robotics can offer and eventually give them a chance to compete. And with a grant for VEX V5 robots, he did just that.

Below, we feature an article written by Mr. Romine that details what happened at Jennings High School.

The robotics team gathers in a circle on a classroom floor, surrounding VEX equipment and a laptop.

Every Wednesday afternoon, something special is happening inside Jennings High School.

When the last bell rings, one group of students doesn’t rush to leave school, but instead rushes to a classroom to work with Robotics.

Robotics team members gather on a classroom floor, surrounding VEX equipment.

The club’s strong start was made possible by a grant from the Rural Tech Fund. The funding allowed the program to purchase VEX V5 Robotics Classroom Kits, giving students access to the same type of equipment used in competitive robotics programs.

Robotics team members gather in a table made of desks, surrounding various packages of VEX equipment and a manual.

Each week, students meet for 1-2 hours to design, build, and program robots. As they tackle new challenges, they are learning how to build robots, program them to perform various skills, and develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities along the way.

“This year is a learning year,” says Mr. Romine, the coach at JHS. “With the skills we learn this year, we will be able to compete on the regional level.”

Mr. Romine said the grant has been the key to turning the vision into reality. “We are very grateful for the grant from the Rural Tech Fund,” he said. “Without this grant, we wouldn’t be able to offer this great opportunity to the students.”

A student works on the competition mat on the classroom floor.

The club has ambitious plans beyond this school year. Next year, Jennings High hopes to host a local robotics tournament, bringing teams together and helping grow robotics opportunities throughout the area.

Two robotics team members work with VEX equipment, holding up pieces that they are constructing.

The robotics team members pose together for a group photo.

The community will not have to wait long to see the students’ progress. Later this year, the club will host an exhibition robotics match where School Board officials, families, and community members can watch demonstrations of the robots and celebrate what students have accomplished during their weekly meetings.

As the first-year team continues to learn and grow, Jennings High School is laying the foundation for what could become a lasting tradition of innovation, competition, and student achievement.

We are so thrilled to be involved with the Jennings High School robotics program, and cannot wait to see what they accomplish next!

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