The College of Southern Maryland’s La Plata Campus became a hub of innovation last weekend as middle and high school students gathered to compete in the Southern Maryland VEX V5 Robotics Tournament. The event, held on February 15, challenged students to put their self-built robots through rigorous tests of engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of STEM education in shaping future careers. She praised the students for their dedication to innovation and encouraged them to enjoy the experience of friendly competition. She called the competitors the next generation of STEM and STEAM leaders and expressed confidence in their ability to drive future technological advancements.
The VEX V5 Robotics Tournament, organized by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is part of a worldwide initiative that includes more than 20,000 teams from 50 countries competing in over 1,700 events each year. Students face a new engineering challenge annually, designed to test their technical knowledge and strategic thinking. This year’s competition, titled “High Stakes,” required teams to maneuver their robots to place colored rings on stakes across a 12’ x 12’ field while also attempting to climb a ladder at the center.
Throughout the event, students showcased their creativity and adaptability as they adjusted their strategies based on each round’s results. CSM’s own competitive robotics team, the Talons, played an integral role by volunteering as referees, judges, and scorekeepers. Faculty members contributed to the event’s success by assisting in various capacities, including setup and logistics.
At the conclusion of the tournament, several teams were recognized for their outstanding performance. Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s Area 53 Alien Raiders received the Excellence Award for their all-around achievement. Towson High School’s Team 943A and North County High School’s Cyber Knights claimed the title of Tournament Champions. The Southern Maryland Robotics Club had a strong presence in the competition, with their Lucky Duckies and Marauders teams earning multiple honors, including finalist placements and awards for design and skills performance. Other standout teams included competitors from Westlake High School, Thomas Stone High School, and James Rumsey Technical Institute, who were acknowledged for their innovation, sportsmanship, and technical expertise.
The teams awarded the Excellence Award, Tournament Champion title, and Design Award advanced to the regional championships, where they will face top competitors from other areas. The competition not only celebrated technical achievements but also reinforced the value of collaboration, perseverance, and creative problem-solving in STEM education.
Beyond the competition, events like the VEX Robotics Tournament provide students with hands-on experience that extends beyond textbooks and classroom lessons. The skills gained in robotics tournaments translate into real-world applications, preparing students for future careers in engineering, technology, and computer science. The event highlighted the impact of STEM programs in cultivating the next generation of innovators.
Students interested in learning more about robotics opportunities at CSM can explore the Talons team and its year-round activities through the college’s website. The tournament demonstrated how robotics serves as both a competitive outlet and an educational experience, equipping young engineers with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
