VEX IQ robotics tournament for both middle school and high school of the LAUSD school district that happened February 28 through March 1 for a chance to compete in Missouri at the World VEX IQ Robotics Championships.

The team, known as the Penguino Bots, earned this spot after winning the league and the LAUSD conference teamwork championship—an achievement that their coach and advisor described as unprecedented, as they were the first in the history of MACES to qualify for the VEX IQ World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mr. Sarmiento, the robotics coach and advisor, said, “It was extremely validating to see that they not only qualified, but they won, and that never happened for any of our teams, both middle school and high school.” 

Sarmiento also expressed his pride in the middle schoolers: “They’ve been working very hard since August before school, during lunch, and after school up to three to four times a week,” he also explained. 

When asked about facing the international competitors in the World VEX IQ Championships and looking ahead to it, he said, “We’re going to see teams from all over the world… it’s going to show them where they stand.” He also said, “I don’t want them to feel intimidated… I want them to ask questions and learn.” 

With his final words, he expressed his pride in his team, “You made it this far, so keep doing what you’ve been doing… you earned your spot—now show why you’re there.” He also said, “Don’t focus too much on winning because it can become stressful; have fun and be proud of the accomplishments and how far you have come.”