A group of young innovators from Grand Junction is making waves in the world of robotics. The Chicken Hawks, a local Lego robotics team, has secured a spot at the national competition for the second consecutive year. Their journey to the prestigious Worcester Polytechnic Institute Open Invitational follows an impressive performance at the state championship, where they finished in eighth place.
A Team of Young Innovators
The Chicken Hawks team is comprised of students from Mesa View Elementary, Bookcliff Middle School, and Orchard Mesa Middle School. Together, they design, build, and program Lego-based robots to tackle various challenges. The competition isn’t just about coding—it pushes students to develop critical thinking skills, collaborate effectively, and solve real-world problems.
Liz Fitzgerald, the team’s Head Coach, emphasized the program’s importance. “When they come together in a fun way like the Lego League and do this as a team, they have that safety net with their peers, but they learn how much they can add to the world and come up with ideas on their own in order to help others,” she said.
Building a Path to STEM Careers
Participation in Lego League provides students with a gateway into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The competition encourages problem-solving and teamwork while fostering a love for innovation. Many former participants have pursued careers in engineering and technology after gaining early exposure to these disciplines through robotics programs.
Fundraising for Nationals
Now, the team faces a new challenge—raising the necessary funds to attend the national competition in June. Traveling to the invitational requires financial support, and the Chicken Hawks are reaching out to the community for assistance.
Residents and businesses interested in supporting the team can contribute to their fundraising efforts. Every donation helps these young minds continue their journey in STEM and represent Grand Junction on a national stage.
