Edgewood, KY — St. Pius X Catholic School’s VEX Robotics program recently competed at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship, with two middle school teams representing the school: Team 38678A (Artificially Intelligent) and Team 38678B (Battle Bots). The two teams advanced to Worlds after a standout season focused on creative design and technical documentation.
At the World Championship, both teams collaborated with teams from around the world, working across different languages as they shared ideas, strategies, and designs.
The teams’ advancement to Worlds followed a strong season that included statewide recognition at the VEX V5 Kentucky Middle School State Championship on March 7. Artificially Intelligent (eighth graders Kellan Elfers, Gabe Farro, and Calvin Miller, and seventh grader Robbie King) earned the Innovate Award, which recognizes creative robot design supported by strong documentation and a clear explanation of the team’s innovation during the interview process.
Battle Bots, sixth graders Bryce Young and Colin McDermott, earned the Design Award, which recognizes teams with a fully developed Engineering Notebook and a clear, well-explained design process during the team interview.
“It was definitely our interview and our teamwork that allowed us to accomplish our goal at the state championship,” said Bryce Young. He said their goal was the Design Award because they knew it would qualify them for the Worlds.
“Our goal for the entire year was to win the Innovate Award, and we fulfilled that at state,” said Calvin Miller. “From the start of the year, we had a robot that was unique and special.”
St. Pius X Catholic School teams practice at Covington Catholic High School and receive mentorship from student leaders who support middle school participants with design review, build guidance, interview preparation, and fabrication assistance. “All of the mentors at Cov Cath would help us and give us tips,” said Gabe Farro.
Many students begin their robotics journey through FIRST LEGO League and continue into VEX Robotics in sixth grade, building skills in engineering design, teamwork, and coding. St. Pius X Catholic School introduces foundational coding in early elementary STEM classes and continues to expand hands-on learning through middle school science and Project Lead The Way coursework, culminating in a Robotics and Automation class by eighth grade.
About St. Pius X Catholic School
St. Pius X Catholic School is committed to developing curious, capable learners through rigorous academics, faith formation, and strong STEM opportunities, including robotics, coding, and engineering experiences that begin in the primary grades and grow with students through middle school.
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