The fledgling robotics team at Fonville Middle School might be relatively new, but that doesn’t mean its members don’t know a thing or two about how to win a competition.

The Fonville team outperformed several high school teams recently to claim top honors at HISD’s VEX West competition. The students shared the title of “tournament champions” with their allies from Lamar High School, and also received the “Cooperate Award” for demonstrating extraordinary teamwork under pressure.

“We have seen the robotics team grow not only in technology skills, but also in ancillary skills like social interaction, team work, presentation and leadership, which are critical for students’ future entry into high school and college,” said technology teacher Vania Willms. “The Falcons Legend team made a remarkable first impression by qualifying for the state competition.”

Willms added that the Oct. 18 competition marked the team’s first VEX tournament experience and its first foray into HISD robotics.