Each participant earned a beautiful medal and each team earned a trophy, all of which were generously donated by Pennekamp families.

The Against All Odds Award went to Robo M.M.A.A.R.K. 6.  This award states: "Incredible odds can be overcome if we just never give up, no matter what.  This award goes to the team who rises from the worst situation to improvise, adapt, overcome and still make a respectable showing."  Congratulations to Robo M.M.A.A.R.K. 6 for showing everyone your incredible "never say die" spirit! 

The Gracious Professionalism Award was presented to the American Eagles.  The premise of this award is that teams help each other out, even during strenuous competition.  The qualities of Gracious Professionalism are based on the six pillars of character created by the Character Counts! program and include those of Respect, Citizenship, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Fairness, and Caring.  Congratulations American Eagles for exemplifying the true spirit of graciousness.

The Robust Design Award went to the Lego Lords.  This award is presented to the team that best demonstrates their understanding and application of sound mechanical principles, producing the most solid, consistent and dependable robot.  Congratulations Lego Lords for your impressive robot design!

The Innovative Design Award was won by the Wheelchair Wonders.  This award is presented to the team that best demonstrates their ability to use a creative design, component or unique strategy of play for the most original approach when solving the Challenge missions.  In scoring the highest single round in competition, the Wheelchair Wonders demonstrated their superior robot design. 

The Teamwork Award went to the Terminators.  Teamwork is necessary to succeed in F.I.R.S.T. LEGO League, and is a key ingredient on any team.  This award is presented to the team that best demonstrates extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, exceptional partnership, the utmost respect to their own teammates, and support and encouragement of fellow teams.  Congratulations Terminators!

The Robust Programming Award was presented to Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.  This award is presented to the team whose understanding and application of sound programs allows the robot to maximize its capabilities.  In earning this award,  Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis was able to successfully read a light sensor and execute the flag smackdown in every round. 

The Robot Performance Award was won by the Dragons. This award is presented to the team whose robot earns the highest score on the competition field.  The Dragons consistently scored either first or second in each round and showed everyone why their combination of a great robot design and robust programs earned them the robot performance award.

The Director's award went to Team Turkey.  This is the most prestigious award that any team can win and measures how the children inspire and motivate others around them about the accessibility, excitement and wonders of science, technology and engineering while still demonstrating respect, encouragement and continued gracious professionalism.  This team suffered two catastrophic failures of their RCX in the heat of competition and were still able to come back in time to generate a huge score in round 2 and have every team in the house cheering wildly for them.  Congratulations Team Turkey!

A huge, heartfelt thank you to Pennekamp Coach Gail Hayes and  Roosevelt Coach Tanya Manabat for their energy and patience in coaching FOUR teams each.  Their dedication has made this program possible for our children and has demonstrated to each and everyone of the participants that the "No Limits" theme of this year's challenge applies to anything they set their minds to!

Point Totals