Kirkwood School District was represented by one of their three Robotics teams at the FIRST Robotics State Competition held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Missouri S&T. Over 180 robotics teams started in Missouri this past fall, competed at regional tournaments located in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, and Kansas City, and ultimately dwindled down to the top 36 teams to battle at the State tournament. FIRST robotics has been in existence for the past 20 years internationally and hosting robotics tournaments from the Elementary school level to high school. In early 2012, the Exploring program of the Greater St. Louis Boy Scout office collaborated with the Science department at Kirkwood high school to form a robotics club. With funding assistance from Boeing, and parents to coach, the school started three teams serving close to 30 students. The robotics program helps students learn computer programming, engineering, team building, and other important skills toward workforce preparedness. The team ended up in 23rd place among the 36 teams. An excellent start for their first year competing and achieving State recognition. Congratulations to all the Kirkwood robotics teams and determined students. Any student at Kirkwood High School is welcome to participate with the Robotics club.