CROWLEY, La. (KLFY) — The St. Michael Middle School Saints Robotics team is headed to the Global FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics competition this summer.

The team is known as Saints Robotics and is comprised of 5th through 8th grade students.

Xander Richard, one of the 8th graders, said the team is looking forward to many things about this trip.

“We showcase our robot in different tasks they give us, and we showcase our innovation project. Which is a project that they create, and that solves a certain problem, that they give us.” Richard said.

The Saints Robotics will put their skills to the test in the Worcester Polytechnic Institute`s Robotics Competition in Boston.

“We are preparing really hard, it’s gonna be fun meeting new people, Mr. Tim (the Saints Robotics coach) says, for like 30 different countries. It’s gonna be awesome” Richard said.

The team looks forward to not only competing, but the opportunity to meet teams from across the world.

“Coach says, the two booths next to us, one is from Texas or Minnesota, and the other is from Japan. So, that is really cool.” Nick Himel, Saints Robotics team member said.

“I’m look forward to seeing what we can do compared to all the other teams across the world. And you know that being able to meet new people.” Logan Ousley added.

John Keith Hensgens, an 8th grader, said he is proud of the team’s journey in creating the robot and can’t wait to see them compete.

“It’s exciting for us to see how far we’ve come since the beginning of the year when we only had maybe like some idea of what the robot was going to end up looking like by the end of the year. But now we have all sorts of attachments in code for the robot.” Hensgens said.

After placing first place for the Innovation Project on making AUV`s for marine exploration less invasive and 4th place overall at the Louisiana State Championship Robotics Tournament, STEM Teacher and Coach Tim Miguez said, these kids have earned their spot and are learning life skills in a big way.

“And those skills coding and the engineering skills that they’re learning are important for us, for the adults and the teachers.” Miguez said. “Usually it’s the conflict resolution that they’re learning, the public speaking, that they’re learning the the need to work together, that that cooperation amongst the team is really important. I think that’s probably our most valued part of our program.”

There are 106 teams representing 44 states and 30 countries, and Saints Robotics is the only team representing Louisiana.

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