Molokai Robotics Bring Home the Gold

Molokai robotics students were rewarded for their hard work with a first place finish at the First Lego League district tournament on Maui, Nov. 10. The Molokai Middle School team, the Molokai Golden Eyes — Noah Keanini, Erik Svetin, Caele Manley, Kaitlin DeRouin, Lily Jenkins, and Katy Domingo — were named the Maui County Grand Champions in the competition, pictured here. This year’s theme for competitors was

Molokai Golden Eyes. Photo by Jenn Whitted

“Senior Solutions,” and students were challenged to invent technological innovations to improve the quality of life for the elderly. The Molokai Golden Eyes, coached by Kawika Gonzales and Jenn Whitted, will compete in the state championship on Dec. 1 at the Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu.

Kaunakakai School’s robotics team, Snow White and the Seven Seniors, also competed at the district tournament and were named as second alternates for the state competition. The team, coached by Meg Fox and Nicole Vaci, is comprised of students Sunni Chow, Taye Mowat, Kilani Afelin, Kai`ina Afelin, Kuulei DeCosta, Owen Svetin, Daylen Casino, Geordan Rogers, Isabelle Collier, and Lana Domingo.

Both teams were funded by the Maui Economic Development Board and Women in Technology program.