Welcome to the 2026 Elementary Robotics Awards! Students from across Thompson School District showcased creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving at this year’s tournament, demonstrating the skills and spirit of future engineers. From innovative robot designs to outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship, these young engineers and programmers exemplified dedication and technical excellence. Explore the awards below as we celebrate the teams and individuals who stood out for their achievements and commitment to core values.
Volunteer Award
Taylor Smith – Big Thompson Elementary School Parent, Tournament Emcee, and Game Announcer
This award recognizes an individual who maintained high energy throughout the event and consistently supported students across the district. Serving as both emcee and game announcer, Taylor Smith brought enthusiasm, engagement, and encouragement to every moment of the tournament.
Peer Award
Time Bandits – Ponderosa Elementary School
The Peer Award honors a team recognized by fellow competitors for demonstrating Core Values and Gracious Professionalism.
The nominating teams had this to say about the winning team:
“They gave us an extra minute on the practice table to finalize our run and lock in code. They are a team I have visually seen have a lot of fun, and I have seen a lot of communication between their members.”
The Core Values Award
Panthers – Cottonwood Plains Elementary School
This team really pounced on teamwork, with every member contributing to the missions and helping shape the robot. They used tons of resources to design and build, proving they weren’t afraid to prowl for the best ideas. With collaboration this strong, their core values performance was truly claw‑some.
Sparking Mechanics – Ponderosa Elementary School
This team really “shined” in their teamwork. They “fixed” their problems by having every member contribute, trying out all the ideas, and finding the one that worked best. This team really used their “tools” to work together and ensure that everyone had a job. But they are most proud of the friends they made while working on their robot.
The Robot Design Award
Master Spikes – Riverview PK-8
This team sharpened their strategy by building a robot capable of handling multiple missions. They demonstrated their mastery during the interview by correcting code and design on the spot. With tools used across challenges, their teamwork was so strong it practically spiked the scoreboard.
Awesome Ivy Adventurers – Ivy Stockwell Elementary School
This team really swung into victory, using color‑coded troubleshooting and disciplined problem-solving to make their robot stronger with every test. They tackled the toughest missions first, proving they weren’t afraid to climb straight to the top. With teamwork this sharp, it’s no wonder they flew past the competition.
Robot Performance Award
1st Place – Time Bandits – Ponderosa Elementary School
High Score: 185
2nd Place – Chicken Nugget Transformers – Namaqua Elementary School
High Score: 185
3rd Place – Frogs – Coyote Ridge Elementary School
High Score: 180
Grand Champion Award
Robot Reactors – Big Thompson Elementary School
This team reacted well to challenges, working together to solve problems one piece at a time. They made sure everyone’s voice was heard, proving teamwork is how you build a well-oiled machine. With all that fun and cooperation, it’s no wonder they had the reaction they did.