Robotics Teams Participate In Virtual World Celebration

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — Although the coronavirus pandemic canceled the regularly scheduled VEX Robotics World Championship in Louisville, Mountain Brook robotics teams were able to participate in the VEX Robotics Virtual World Celebration and first-ever Fantasy Robotics Tournament April 25.

Three teams from Brookwood Forest and two from Mountain Brook Jumior High qualified for the world championship by posting top performances at the state tournament in February.

“It was just a celebration of their work more than anything,” said James Salvant, who oversees the MBJH robotics program. “It was for fun.”

The participants from Mountain Brook:

• Crawford Chester
• Jackson Eatman
• Brewer Hester
• Jack Pierce

• Katie Acosta
• Hattie Crawford
• Will Hardee
• Edward Livingston

• Layla Rose Goldis
• Oliver Mange
• Jacob Plyler
• Maxine Stockman

• Blake Cook
• Travis Summey
• Emily Glaub
• Jack Brandt

• Addison Hardee
• Truman Lee
• Max Lizee

This was the first year that Brookwood Forest qualified three teams — coached by Jennifer Jinnette and Sharon Mumm — for the world championship, out of only 17 total elementary slots available.

Mumm and Salvant both hosted Google Meets with their world qualifiers to watch the virtual event livestream. Next year, they're hoping the competition returns to an in-person format.