Imagine, two teams, comprised of the youngest students in attendance, with no previous experience, facing off against middle school students! After months of dedicated practice, often sacrificing recess and free time, twelve SIS students drove to Guangzhou last Saturday to compete in the FIRST Lego League Robotics Competition. The SIS Geckos were the only robotics team from Shenzhen to compete.

The hard work and dedication paid off with the Diving Dolpha-Bots placing second out of ten teams and the Lego Leaguers finishing sixth out of ten. Both Coach Terrell and I are extremely proud of our teams and their driving spirit.

Predominantly held in the United States, FIRST Lego League challenges students in a fun way to put into practice qualities that prepare them for 21^st century success. The popularity of FIRST continues to grow and there are now about 1500 competitions held worldwide with over 250,000 participants from 88 countries.

I knew in my heart this competition would be an ideal event for our own school. I recognized that our SIS students' familiarity with the ESLRs would provide them the necessary background to embrace the League's Core Values. With the support of SIS administration, team parents, and the enthusiasm of teacher and coach, Kristin Terrell, we shared our vision of creating a winning team of students to face off with established teams in Guangzhou, China.

Last Saturday proved that with the will and dedication of a small group of optimistic students, great things can be accomplished. When team member Harry Burns, a fourth grader, was asked what he learned from this experience, he replied, "The event taught me that it wasn't only about winning, but also about being a good sport and helping animals. My favorite part was the robot competition because we got to see what the robot can do and how we can improve." Betty Lu, a fifth grader shared, "The Lego Leaugue made me learn that winning is not everything. It also made me learn that if you work hard, you can succeed. I had so much fun that day!"

We offer our sincere congratulations to the SIS Robotics Team in their victory that has won both teams a place in the March 11^th Championship Robotics Tournament held in Shanghai.

Wish our SIS Robotics Team well as they prepare for their next competition in Shanghai.

We are so proud of these dynamic students!

Coaches Kathy Diaz and Kristin Terrell