Several Bolles middle and lower school robotics teams competed in the Northeast Florida Regional Championship at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida last weekend – an event which was the end of a season for some and the beginning of state level competition for others. All enjoyed the experience and team camaraderie and the opportunity to grow more in their problem-solving and technology skills.

Both teams from the Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus – the Council of Intellectual Aliens (CIA) and the Future Bolles Innovators (FBI) – won special prizes and a bid to compete at the state tournament. The CIA took home first place for its Innovation Project while the FBI won second place for its Innovation Project and third place for its Robot Game.

“I am extremely proud of these kids and all the work they have put in to get to this point,” said team Coach Andrew Nation, who coaches with science teacher Carolyn Houston.

The robotics teams from the Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus also performed well at the regional competition. Team Savage Unknown Power (SUP) finished in the top 10 for Robot Game and received the Engineering Excellence Award. Team Operation of Fun (OOF) took third place in the competition for its functioning app in the Innovation and also won a bid to compete at the state level. Team Coach Beth Zerkowski was named Coach of the Year during the regional competition.

Both teams from the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus – Cargo Crew and Spike Strike – competed in the regional contest but did not win a bid for the state championship. Spike Strike won second place in the regional Core Values category.

“(The teams) represented Bolles well and brought home a Core Values Award,” said middle school Coach Gabrielle Fudge, who coaches with Mark Meyers. “Cargo Crew and Spike Strike both had a terrific run and gave it their all!”

The state competition will be held in Niceville, Florida April 1-2. Let’s go, Bulldogs!