P R E S S R E L E A S E
Date: December 4, 2018 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mr. Andrew R. Armstrong, Executive Director of Business Operations aarmstrong@glnd.k12.va.us | (804) 332 0965 | @glndschools www.goochlandschools.org
The Randolph Elementary School Lego Robotics Team, the “Space Tamales”, took home first place at this weekend’s state championship competition for the First Lego League. The competition took place in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
The team’s innovation was the Space Tamale Blanket, a design that used hydrogen rich recyclables such as styrofoam and polyethylene to protect astronauts from galactic cosmic rays. The team’s work also led to the development of applications that could protect pilots and flight attendants.
Coaches Sherrill Kaufmann, Randolph Elementary School gifted resource teacher, and Sean DeArras were joined by mentors Ann DeArras and RES teacher Johanna Schmeichel. Team members include Brogan Boyle, Caroline Lohr, Kyranna Stratiou, Jesus Gonzalez, Edwin Ramirez, Johnny Vega, Armando Baltazar, and Joshua Gaskill.
Coach Sherrill Kaufmann is proud of this accomplishment, the culmination of months of work. “This has been a labor of love for all of us-coaches, students, and their families. We are excited to be recognized, but the teamwork, the innovation, and the creativity have been the real reward.”
The Space Tamales have been approached about sharing their project at the national level.