Article Text

Students from Hayfield Secondary School and Marshall High School received county recognition Tuesday, June 9, after competing against hundreds of teams at the FIRST Robotics World Championship.

The Hayfield Night Hawks and Marshall Gryphon Robotics participated in the international competition, held in Houston from April 29 through May 2. About 600 teams competed individually and in three-team alliances.

Marshall finished third in its division, and the Gryphons helped lead their alliance to seventh place overall. Hayfield placed third within its alliance following difficult preliminary rounds, according to Fairfax County Public Schools.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay applauded the students’ teamwork and camaraderie, calling the two programs among the county’s best. He said their abilities reflect the skills that will be increasingly important in the workforce.

Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said the students were developing a foundation for success across career fields. He also praised both teams for mentoring younger robotics participants and giving back to their community.

Night Hawks coach Joey Kerns told supervisors that competitors had to design, build, program and operate robots while facing real-world limitations. He highlighted the students’ technical ability, creativity and perseverance, describing the season as outstanding for both teams.

Superintendent Michelle Reid characterized the championship as intense and said the Fairfax County teams arrived prepared to compete. She has also said the school system intends to bring robotics programming to every county school within the next three years.