Pioneer Park Pirates win Grand Champion at Laramie County Robotics Scrimmage

The Laramie County School District 1 (LCSD1) Board of Trustees meeting held on May 19, 2025, featured a series of recognitions and celebrations highlighting student achievements and community contributions. The meeting commenced with a commendation for Sherry from Western Vista, acknowledging her dedication and impact within the community. She was presented with a gift card and a certificate in recognition of her efforts.

Following this, the board celebrated the success of the Pioneer Park Pirates, a robotics team from Pioneer Park Elementary School. Julie Calkins, the science coordinator, along with coaches Beth McKay and Mary Kinstler, introduced the team, which recently earned the title of Grand Champion at the seventh annual Laramie County Robotics Scrimmage and Expo held on May 3. The team excelled in various categories, achieving first place in the innovation project and demonstrating core values, while also tying for first in the robot games with a top score of 209.

Coaches Kinstler and McKay expressed pride in the students' accomplishments and highlighted the evolution of their robotics program over the past 14 years. They noted the students' natural aptitude for programming and their willingness to assist younger teams, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mentorship. The coaches also introduced the team's robot, affectionately named Aristotle the Scorpion, which showcased the students' creativity and technical skills.

As the meeting progressed, the students took the stage to introduce themselves, adopting pirate-themed names in line with their team identity. Their enthusiasm and pride in their work were evident, further underscoring the positive impact of the robotics program on student engagement and learning.

The meeting concluded with a sense of community pride and a commitment to continue supporting student initiatives and achievements in the district. The recognition of both Sherry and the Pioneer Park Pirates served as a reminder of the importance of dedication and teamwork in fostering a vibrant educational environment.