Teams from Oahu, Molokai and Maui competed in various robotics challenges at the second VEX IQ Tournament held recently at Lahainaluna High School.

LAHAINA – Lahainaluna High School, with the help of Lahainaluna Robotics, recently held its second VEX IQ Tournament.

A STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), robotics-based educational program, the event brought teams from Oahu, Molokai and Maui to the West Side to compete in various robotics challenges.

Maui schools that participated included Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School, Lahaina Intermediate School, Pomaikai Elementary (Pomaikai Robotics), Lokelani Intermediate School (Kolohe Kids) and Lihikai Elementary (Surfer Bots).

Molokai Middle School entered the Na’iwa Warriors, Menehune Farmers, and Kalo Farmers, and Mid-Pacific Institute (Mid-Pacific Owl Robotics) and Sacred Hearts Academy (Lancer Robotics) came from Oahu to compete.

The Oahu teams displayed their expertise throughout the competition and swept the top awards.

A robotics-based educational program, the tournament brought school teams to the West Side to compete in various events.

Mid-Pacific Owl Robotics took the Skill Challenge Championship. The Teamwork Championship Awards went to the Lancers and Owl Robotics, with Molokai’s Menehune and Kalo Farmers finishing in second place.

The School Design Elementary Award went to Lancer Robotics, while the School Design Middle School honor went to Owl Robotics.

The STEM Research Award went to Lancer Robotics, the Judges’ Award was presented to the Kolohe Kids from Lokelani Intermediate School and the Excellence Award went to Lancer Robotics.

Sponsors for the second annual event included Lahainaluna High School Robotics and Maui Economic Development Board’s Ke Alahele Education Fund.

The coordinators for the competition are former Lahainaluna teachers: Dennis Sasai, who is now the Career Technical Education coordinator for the Maui District, and Randy Arakawa, who is now at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School and an assistant coach for the Luna football team.