today was the Vermont FIRST Lego League Championship, the biggest one the State has ever held with nearly 30 Teams competing from all over the state. The event was in the Shapiro field house  at Norwich University in Northfeild VT . My ferried Ray and I left early from Richmond and got down there about 8. Mike C and his team had done a *fantastic* job at preparing for the event. The field house was packed with more than 500cheering  kids, coaches, parents, judges and officials.  There really is nothing like an event like a FIRST championship for showing how fun STEAM (science technology engineering art and math) can be !

The event began with some opening remarks from Mike C and a few visiting dignitaries.. Then the competition began !. The teams took turns competing and cooperating to navigate a course and perform as many of the predefined tasks as their robot could accomplish. 

There were soooooo many friends of mine there. .. many folks I hadn’t seen in years.. and some new friends like Carlos, Elisa and Genje

After a day of competition.. it was time for the awards.. The excitement in the room was incredible !

We have another event coming up on Saturday Feb 11 at CVU from 10-3. . This time it will be  the Vermont FIRST Tech Challenge Championship . Bigger teams, bigger robots.. and lots of cheering kids. 

Please come join us. !. I guarantee it will leave you smiling !

nite all, nite sam

-me