Five Forks Middle School’s 8th grade robotics team was invited to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship, presented by the Northrop Grumman Foundation, held April 15 through May 4 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. The middle schoolers competed in the VRC MS Robotics Division, composed of various sections including Technology, Science, Opportunity, Math, Engineering, and Arts.

The VEX Robotics World Championship is an annual event that brings together the top VEX IQ Robotics Competition, VEX Robotics Competition, and VEX U teams from around the globe to celebrate their accomplishments and participate in the 2022-2023 games to be crowned champions. This year, 808 teams from around the world competed throughout the 20-day event.     

This is Five Forks Middle School’s third appearance at the world championship since 2018. The team’s coach and Engineering and Technology teacher, Stephen Griffith, was proud of the team’s hard work. “The students worked with vigorous energy for each competition we went to this year, using at least four completely new designs, including the one they debuted at the world championship. They worked diligently each week, coming to the school at 8:15 a.m. daily, and some weeks putting in as many as 15-20 hours into the robotics, all while maintaining their grades,” says Mr. Griffith. He adds, “To create a successful team is a balance of math, science, and engineering, intertwined with knowledge and execution of sports and strategy. It is an exciting opportunity to represent Five Forks MS, and Gwinnett County Public Schools in this world championship.”