FLORENCE – Kilby Laboratory School, on the University of North Alabama campus, had a top finish at the Alabama VEX IQ Championship, competing against 52 of the best teams from across the state.
The skill, creativity, and teamwork demonstrated by the Kilby team earned the students prestigious individual awards as well as a spot in the World IQ Championship in Dallas in May.
“One of the most exciting moments for Kilby came when our robotics team earned second place in the Teamwork Challenge,” said Misty Buerhaus, the Kilby Robotics sponsor and library media specialist at the school. “This achievement is a testament to the strong collaboration and communication within our team, as well as our ability to strategize and perform under pressure.
“The teamwork aspect of the competition highlighted how well our students work together, and this recognition was a proud moment for everyone involved.”
In addition to the Teamwork Challenge, Kilby’s team received the Thinks Award, which celebrates the team’s outstanding problem-solving skills, engineering, and innovative thinking throughout the competition.
The team also received the Amaze Award that highlights the team’s creativity and technical expertise.
The culmination of all of the awards is the Overall Excellence Award, which acknowledged Kilby’s all-around excellence in design, performance, and teamwork. The Kilby Queens, an all-girl team, brought home this honor.
The accomplishments earned three Kilby teams the opportunity to represent the state and the country at the VEX IQ World Championship in Dallas in May. VEX Worlds brings together teams from around the globe. In 2024, more than 480 teams from 70 countries competed.
“I am so thrilled for our entire Kilby community as we, once again, spread the UNA and Kilby footprint across this country and with others from around the world,” said Kilby Director Dr. Eric Kirkman. “I truly hope the rest of our community can rally around our amazing students and support them as they raise funds to get to Dallas.
“They have worked very hard, and they are honored to represent our community and state on the world stage.”
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