KY’s STLP State Championship, which recognizes student achievement in technology, provided the backdrop for six GC Tech Center students to compete with others from across the state. In total, 558 schools from 119 districts participated in the day’s events, which included robotics, coding, and game design.
Two teams qualified by taking 1st and 2nd place at the regional competition in RCX - Robot Challenge Extreme and Video Game Design.
In the brief time between regionals and state competition, GCTC Robos (Landon Johnson and Alexis Chino) made several key adjustments to their project that helped propel them to 4th place. And GCTC Brobotics (Brandon Baxter and Jackson Henning) made the Top Ten, taking 9th place.
Additionally, their efforts to make it to STLP State earned the program a $500 grant from the non-profit Tennessee Valley Robotics.
Out of 21 high school teams judged in the Video Game Design challenge, Project KDP (Kaydence Monnin and Preston Gary) placed 7th. They modified a game they had designed for SkillsUSA to put it in contention for the STLP challenge.
“I’m extremely happy we got to travel to Lexington and compete. Being on the floor at Rupp was awesome” said Coach JT Burns, also acknowledging his pride in the team. He noted the extra time and work they put in outside class to prepare and progress in the short time between regionals and state.
Special thanks go out to the Technology Department's Jerrod Graybeal and Jeremy Shartzer who served as judges for other competitions during the day. Volunteers are key to the success and smooth operation of large events like STLP State. Another great example of GCS teamwork!