Benzie Central’s Perpetual Robotics Team Secures Design Award and Robot Skills Champion Title at VEX V5 Tournament

On January 25, 2025, Benzie County Central Schools’ high school robotics team, Perpetual, made a remarkable impact at a VEX V5 tournament in Bad Axe, Michigan. Representing the school with pride, the team took home several prestigious awards, including the Design Award and the Robot Skills Champion award, solidifying their place as one of Michigan’s top robotics teams.

The VEX V5 game, titled High Stakes, is a highly competitive event where teams work together to score points by placing rings on stakes, moving mobile goals, and climbing a structure at the end of the match. This year’s competition pushed teams to showcase not only their robotic designs but also their ability to execute tasks with precision and teamwork.

Top Honors at VEX V5 Tournament

The Husky Robotics team, consisting of Kian Fay and Wyatt Jaquish, stood out at the event, securing the coveted Design Award and Robot Skills Champion award. The Design Award recognizes the team’s innovative approach to their robot’s design and functionality, while the Robot Skills Champion award acknowledges their exceptional performance in tasks that test both autonomous and piloted robot skills.

Perpetual excelled in the Robot Skills portion of the competition, earning a top score of 91. This score was determined by the team’s ability to operate their robot autonomously, as well as their skill in manual operation during the match. These tasks are critical for success in VEX competitions, where both engineering and piloting skills are crucial.

Impressive Performance by a Freshman Team

Marc Alderman, the robotics instructor for Perpetual, expressed his pride in the team’s success. “Their robot skills score is something else,” Alderman said, visibly impressed by the team’s achievement. “To be ranked first as a freshman team in their first year of VEX V5 is awesome. They should be really proud of themselves.”

Alderman’s comments highlight the remarkable accomplishment of Perpetual’s young team members. Despite being in their first year of competition and still in their freshman year, Kian and Wyatt have demonstrated impressive talent and determination, which has earned them recognition on a state level.

The team’s outstanding performance has earned them a spot at the Michigan state championships, set to take place at Kettering University in February. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Perpetual, as they are now recognized as the highest-ranked high school VEX V5 team in Michigan.

What’s Next for Perpetual?

Looking ahead, the Perpetual team is gearing up for the state-level competition, where they will represent Benzie County Central Schools and Husky Robotics. Alderman expressed confidence in their ability to excel at the upcoming championship, saying, “I know they will represent Benzie Central and Husky Robotics well at the state level.”

As they continue to prepare for the state championships, the team will likely refine their skills, improve their robot’s design, and further enhance their strategies to take on other competitive teams from across the state. For Kian, Wyatt, and the rest of Perpetual, this is just the beginning of what could be a long and successful journey in the world of competitive robotics.

Why Robotics Matters in High School Education

The success of the Perpetual team highlights the growing importance of robotics programs in high school education. Robotics competitions like VEX V5 provide students with hands-on experience in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are all valuable skills in today’s rapidly evolving technology-driven world.

For students like Kian and Wyatt, participating in robotics competitions not only offers an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world situations but also helps them build a strong foundation for future careers in fields like engineering, computer science, and technology. These competitions also teach students the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and innovative thinking.

In addition, robotics teams like Perpetual give students the chance to interact with like-minded peers, work with mentors, and showcase their abilities on a competitive platform. Such experiences help students gain confidence and develop skills that will benefit them both academically and professionally.

The Growing Role of Robotics in Michigan Schools

Michigan has become a hotspot for robotics competitions, with many schools across the state investing in their robotics programs. The state’s robust emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has paved the way for high school robotics teams like Perpetual to flourish. Through events like the VEX V5 competition, students from all over Michigan have the chance to come together, learn from one another, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of robotics.

The continued success of teams like Perpetual is a testament to the quality of education and mentorship provided at Benzie County Central Schools, as well as the dedication of teachers and coaches like Marc Alderman. It also reflects the growing interest in robotics and engineering as viable career paths for high school students across the state.

Final Thoughts

The remarkable achievements of Perpetual at the VEX V5 tournament in Bad Axe are a clear indication of the team’s talent, dedication, and drive. As they prepare for the Michigan state championships, the team is sure to continue impressing both their peers and the judges with their skills and innovation.

For Kian, Wyatt, and the entire Perpetual team, this victory is not just a personal achievement—it is a milestone for Benzie County Central Schools and the Husky Robotics program. With such a promising start to their robotics journey, the future looks bright for these young engineers.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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