April 01, 2025 — Build. Code. Test. Repeat. For months, Columbus City Schools (CCS) robotics students have poured their hearts and minds into after-school practices, fine-tuning their robots, coding tirelessly, and overcoming challenges.

All that hard work resulted in the first VEX Robotics Competition & STEM Expo—a new, thrilling, high-energy community event hosted by Northland High School. The atmosphere inside was electric as over 100 attendees gathered to witness the incredible work of our CCS students. 

From stepping through the gymnasium entryway, the building buzzed with whirring motors, clanking gears, and the excitement of students preparing for the day. It wasn’t just a robotics competition, but a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the power of STEM education.

“I think STEM is a really great opportunity that leads you to many other opportunities as you go on in life,” said Samantha Arias, a sophomore at Northland. “So I think that everybody should give STEM a chance even if it does seem a little bit boring at first.”

The competition and expo showcased the results of months of dedication and teamwork. Students displayed their robots in various challenges that tested their technical skills and their ability to think independently. 

In addition to programming and engineering, the event focused on problem-solving, collaboration, and the drive to keep going no matter how often competitors had to tweak, adjust, or rebuild. Despite last minute challenges that came up, the students persevered.

“The whole process of STEM activities and robotics really gets kids to understand the engineering design process,” said Jennifer Zutterling, math and robotics teacher at Centennial High School and coach of The Stars of the Galaxy team. “It gets them to understand that failure is just a part of the pathway to success. So it really teaches them to understand how to look at problems in different ways and try to figure out how to solve them.”

One of the day's highlights was the robot demonstrations by the Columbus Fire Department Bomb Squad. Their bomb-disposal robots were on full display, giving students a hands-on glimpse into the cutting-edge technology used to keep our communities safe. 

The crowd was mesmerized as the team operated their machines, drawing a sea of wide-eyed students eager to ask questions and learn more. The competition and expo was the perfect blend of real-world application and inspiration for many young minds.

Teams from Woodward Park joined in on the action. These students competed in the VEX Robotics Skills Challenge and had the amazing opportunity to connect with former Woodward Park students who are now students at Northland High School.

 “Our students received tips, encouragement, and mentorship from these alumni, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and community,” said Woodward Park Assistant Principal Kevin Jackson.

Beyond the robotics competition, the STEM Expo allowed attendees to explore the future of science, technology, engineering, and math. Vendors and partners were on hand, offering interactive activities, demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences.

 Students moved from booth to booth, engaging with cutting-edge tools, asking questions, and sparking curiosity. From coding exercises to 3D printing demos, the Expo was a playground for young innovators.

“A lot of people look down on STEM because they're like, oh, only smart kids would do that,” said Faith Haralson, a sophomore at Northland. “But it's really for everyone, and I really hope to see more women, particularly in robotics and in STEM in general.”

Every corner was filled with students absorbed in the moment, whether they were fine-tuning their bots in the pits, rallying their teammates, or eagerly discussing the latest tech trends with STEM professionals. The support from the entire CCS community was palpable. Teachers, parents, district leaders, and industry experts were all there to cheer on and encourage the students.

The students left the event with recognition for their hard work and a sense of empowerment and excitement for the future. They had proven that they could build, code, and create anything they set their minds to with enough dedication. The passion was contagious, and the motivation to innovate and explore new possibilities was clear.

“This helps CCS students because it gives more opportunities for students who haven't got the chance to have this experience in anything,” said Julia Lam, a junior at Northland. “We're planning on having eighth graders to come join us during the summer to help with robotics, like to give them more experience before the school season.”

As the event ended, one thing was certain: CCS is developing the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers. The VEX Robotics Competition & STEM Expo served as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential of our students and the bright future ahead of them.

Build. Code. Test. Repeat. The journey is far from over.