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Who won the annual RoboGASTON competition?

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Who won the annual RoboGASTON competition?

New Hope, Belmont Middle emerge as overall winners in 2026 robotics competition

Students from across Gaston County Schools explored the past while building skills for the future at this year’s RoboGASTON competition.

Held March 28 at Forestview High School, the event brought together elementary and middle school teams to compete under the theme, “UNEARTHED.” Teams were judged in robot performance, project presentation, and teamwork.

Students focused on archaeology, learning how artifacts and discoveries help people better understand cultures and the world. In the teamwork challenge, students worked together to decide what items they would take on a one-day archaeological dig in a remote location.

Two New Hope Elementary students program their robot for its robot run.

At the elementary level, New Hope Elementary School repeated as the overall champions, highlighting the team’s hard work and strong collaboration.

The team’s project, “The Swarm,” featured dragonfly-like drones designed to help archaeologists work more safely and efficiently. Inspired by the ancient MegaNeura from the Carboniferous Period, students studied its large wingspan and spiked legs to design drones that could assist at dig sites. The drones were designed to serve multiple roles, including providing shade, detecting weather changes, locating artifacts, removing insects, and transporting tools and materials.

“We are proud of our team for their hard work throughout the year,” said Shelly Burke, a teacher at New Hope Elementary. “Their focus and determination are what helped them succeed two years in a row. We encouraged them to do their best and keep moving forward, even when things did not go as planned. Their willingness to work together was the key to their victory.”

Belmont Middle School students program their robot to complete tasks and earn points during its run.

In the middle school division, Belmont Middle School earned the overall title.

As part of their innovation project, the Belmont students connected with Dr. Alan May from the Schiele Museum of Natural History and learned that cost can be a challenge in archaeology.  The team developed a portable, solar-powered system designed to prevent rust on artifacts in the field. Their solution is affordable, easy to use, and built with materials that can be found at a local hardware store.

“The team was focused and worked hard,” said coaches Matthew Woods and David Vanier. “As coaches, that is all we could ask for, but winning made us very excited for the students.” 

RoboGASTON continues to give students opportunities to think creatively, collaborate with others, and apply STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills in meaningful ways.  This year, the robotics program was made possible through generous contributions from the Duke Energy Foundation, Petty Machine Company/Larry Petty, Barbara Yarbrough, Mann+Hummel, and the Gaston County Education Foundation.

Here is a look at the winners in the 2026 RoboGASTON robotics competition:

Elementary School
Champion: New Hope Elementary

Middle School
Champion: Belmont Middle School

Robot Performance Category
Middle School Champion: Belmont Middle School
Middle School Runner-up: Cramerton Middle School
Elementary School Champion: New Hope Elementary
Elementary School Runner-up: Pinewood Elementary

Project Presentation Category
Middle School Champion: W.C. Friday Middle School
Middle School Runner-up: Mount Holly Middle School
Elementary School Champion: McAdenville Elementary
Elementary School Runner-up: Lowell Elementary

Teamwork Category
Middle School Champion: W.P. Grier Middle School
Middle School Runner-up: John Chavis Middle School
Elementary School Champion: Sherwood Elementary
Elementary School Runner-up: Bessemer City Central Elementary

Additional Awards
Gracious Professionalism Award: Chapel Grove Elementary
Innovative Team Name: Gardner Park Elementary – “Robotic Restorers”
Spirit Award: Tryon Elementary

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