TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma – On March 4 the Northeastern State University event center hosted the 2022-2023 Oklahoma State VEX IQ Middle School Robotics Championship. Two Mvskoke citizens, Cadin Newkirk and Wyatt Freeman, participated as part of the Bixby Middle School 8th grade team.
Students on the team collaborated to design, program and operate their robot in challenges as part of a points competition that progresses from regionals, to state, and finally the VEX World Championship.
Bixby Middle School S.T.E.A.M teacher, Traeton Dansby coaches the team. “This is the first year that Bixby has had a program, the kids have just blown it out of the water. Right now they are currently the first in Oklahoma for their performance on skills. They’ve taken home sixteen awards this year, so just really done outstanding.”
Caden Newkirk spoke with Mvskoke Media on the impact the competition has had on her. “It’s really changed me, I think this is my favorite, probably my best year I’ve ever had…,I think I’ve gotten better with my social skills and also it really helps with communication.”
Waytt Freeman is the team Designated Builder. “I come up with a lot of the ideas for concepts and stuff for the robot, and then other people improve them and other people contribute ideas…, I’m feeling really confident, we’ve had struggles in the past with team building, but I’m feeling really good about this competition.”
At the end of the State Competition, the Bixby team took home the Excellence Award, Innovate Award and Think Award. This means the team will be competing in the VEX World Championships in Dallas, Texas. Bixby Middle School is fundraising in order to take the financial burden of the trip off of the parents whose children are participating. There is a go fund me page for the team, or you can contact Mr. Dansby at tdansby@bixbyps.org if you would like to contribute support.
