Robotics team from Jacksonville's Landmark Middle School wins Lego league championship

A Landmark Middle School robotics team won the FIRST Lego League State Championship in West Palm Beach, only the second Duval County school to win the state competition.

The "Cybots" bested 55 other teams from across Florida in the March event, which brought them a bid to the 200-team world championship in Houston in April. They did not win there, but relished the experience, according to their coach and mentor, Landmark teacher Avis Collier.

"I am beyond proud of these amazing group of kids and their many accomplishments," Collier said.

Team members are Kamaurie Sutherland, Grace Pendergraft, Kam’Ron Diamond, Zoey Takamine and siblings Briar, Carson and Jayden Agidius.

Even before the state win, the Cybots have shown winning form for two years running, qualifying annually for state and regional competitions. Collier attributed their success to "perseverance, determination and hard work."

The national Lego League was founded by a nonprofit called FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — founded by inventor Dean Kamen. FIRST helps prepare youth ages 4 to 18 for the future "through … inclusive, team-based robotics programs," according to the league website.

The annual Lego League competition revolves around a specific challenge for students to use STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — to solve a real-world problem. In the Challenge sector for ages 9 to 16, Landmark and other teams engaged "in research, problem-solving, coding and engineering — building and programming a Lego robot that navigates the missions of a robot game."

"In addition to building and programming a robot … teams also complete research on a problem related to the theme," Collier said. "This year’s theme … dealt with the arts and how technology could be used to improve existing practices or in new and creative ways."

The Cybots created a "worldwide virtual reality accessible escape room game," she said.

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The team "used art and technology," according to a GoFundMe page raising funds for the Houston trip. The resulting application allows special education and traditional students alike "to learn and work collaboratively as they solved puzzles in virtual, international settings via an escape room. This project has allowed team members to share their love of gaming while also increasing awareness and empathy of others who may learn differently," according to the GoFundMe page.

The game is called "World of Wonders - We All Belong."

Their 2024 project will have a "lasting impact on the students, teachers and professionals" who came in contact with the team during its development, she said.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109