CLARKSVILLE TN – The Kenwood High School JROTC Robotics Program has grown from a single robotics team into a four-team program that is competing successfully at regional and national-level events. The program currently fields Teams 26163X, 26163A, 26163L, and 26163S, providing students with opportunities to develop skills in engineering, programming, and problem-solving.
During the current robotics’ competition season, Team 26163X captured first place at the Tennessee State Fair Robotics Competition. The team followed that performance with another first-place finish at a competition in Elizabethton, Tennessee, where it also received a technical award recognizing excellence in robot design and engineering.
Kenwood’s success continued at the Cross-State Clash in Ohio, where Team 26163X advanced to the semifinal round and finished one match short of competing for the tournament championship.
The teams are scheduled to compete in the V5RC Arsenal Tech Fall Tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and later at the Louisville Slugger Signature Competition, an event expected to attract top robotics programs from across the United States and several international teams. Cadets involved in the program say the experience extends beyond competition. “Robotics has taught us how to work together under pressure and find solutions when things don’t go as planned,” said a member of Team 26163X.”Every competition challenges us to improve both our technical skills and our teamwork.”
Another team member noted that the program has helped students prepare for future opportunities in STEM fields. “Building and programming robots gives us real-world experience that we can apply in college and future careers,” the student said.
Colonel (Ret.) Vernon Lightner, Director of Army Instruction for the district, said the students’ accomplishments reflect a broader culture of excellence within the program.
“I am proud of the national-level success of Kenwood’s Robotics Team. It reflects the faculty, JROTC instructors, and cadets’ hard work and dedication toward creating an elite mindset at the school,” Lightner said.
Dr Nigel Anderson, Kenwood High School Principal, noted “The robotics program complements the leadership development and citizenship training provided through JROTC while exposing students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.”
As the season continues, Kenwood’s robotics teams will seek additional competitive opportunities while representing both their school and the Clarksville-Montgomery County JROTC program. Their recent achievements place the program among the more successful high school JROTC robotics teams in the nation.