West Valley School robotics team dives into preparations for world championship
West Valley School sixth-grader Andrew Willis adjusts team Gummy Sharks' robot while sixth-grade teammates, Owen Banek, right, and Caleb Kreuger, background, watch during an after-school practice March 11, 2025,for the FIRST World Championship in April. The team is part of the FIRST Lego League program. (Hilary Matheson/Daily Inter Lake)
The Gummy Sharks team from West Valley School look over Zia Walker of RoboScoutSquad 18240's First Tech Challenge robot at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge held at West Valley School on Saturday, Jan. 25. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
The West Valley School Gummy Sharks robotics team is diving into preparations to compete on the international stage at the FIRST World Championship.
Team members Owen Banek, Marcus Bedtelyon, Brandon Hemmelman, Caleb Kreuger, Kody Mangis, Hap Pemble, Henry Weber and Andrew Willis are currently fundraising to cover travel, lodging and meal expenses for the April 16–19 event in Houston. West Valley science teacher Matt Honcoop said the team still needs to raise about $5,000.
In addition to competing and attending conference sessions, the team looks forward to touring the NASA Johnson Space Center. For some, it will also be their first time flying.
Support Local News
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
Daily Inter Lake - everything
Print delivery, e-edition and unlimited website access
- $26.24 per month
Daily Inter Lake - unlimited website access
- $9.95 per month