2023 FLL Challenge State Championship
FLL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
December 2023
It was with great honor and excitement that Team 359: Hawaiian Kids had the opportunity to host this year’s First Lego League (FLL) Challenge Hawaii State Championship at Waialua High School. As a team deeply committed to the spirit of innovation and education in STEM, we were thrilled to welcome young minds from across Hawaii to this prestigious event. Our dedication to fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics was at the heart of our efforts in organizing and bringing this championship to life. The gathering was not just a competition, but a celebration of young talent, creativity, and the endless possibilities that STEM fields offer to the future generation.
STEM in the Air
The event was electric with enthusiasm and a shared passion for robotics. As students engaged in a race against time, working meticulously on complex tasks with their robots, the air buzzed with excitement. The stands were filled with cheering crowds of students and parents alike, cheering on their teammates, a vibrant testament to the spirit of FIRST Robotics. Sitting amongst hundreds of cheering youth, one could almost forget that it was a competition as it became a celebration of innovation and teamwork. Students encouraged each other through screams and cheers, an unforgettable ambiance of camaraderie and excitement. Their infectious energy encapsulates the essence of FLL—a place where young minds come together to challenge, inspire, and support each other in their STEM journey.
Unforgettable Moments
The long-awaited awards ceremony was a highlight of the event! To set the tone, we played popular songs like the Chicken Dance and the Cha Cha Slide, setting the tone for a lively and inclusive atmosphere. These fun activities served as a bridge, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It was a moment where competition stepped aside, allowing connections and shared memories to flourish. This event was more than just a competition, it was a celebration of learning, fun, and community. We are immensely proud to have contributed to the hallmark event for these young minds, memories that they will surely treasure for years to come. The FLL State Championship was a testament to the power of education when combined with fun and camaraderie, making it a truly enriching experience for all involved.
Exploring First Lego League
First Lego League (FLL) stands as a beacon of STEM education, creatively blending learning with fun and excitement. It’s a unique program specifically designed for children aged 4 to 16, offering them an opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of STEM. In FLL, participants engage in thrilling challenges and competitions, honing not just their technical skills but also fostering essential life skills such as collaboration, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. The program is anchored by the FIRST Core Values: Discovery, Impact, Teamwork, Innovation, Inclusion, and Fun. These values form the bedrock of the FLL experience, ensuring that participants not only learn but thrive in an environment that celebrates knowledge, diversity, and joy.
Bringing FLL to Hawai’i and Beyond
In a remarkable feat, our students utilized their skills and our team’s resources to broadcast this incredible event to a global audience. By leveraging our experience and technological capabilities, we successfully livestreamed the event on YouTube. This initiative allowed over 1,500 people from around the world to witness the ingenuity and creativity of these young innovators. It was an opportunity to showcase the talent and hard work of the participants and to inspire others with their achievements. This initiative not only brought the event to a wider audience but also highlighted the importance of technology in connecting and sharing educational experiences.
