The Ontario Middle School robotics team won first place at the Pioneer competition, led by instructor Doug Basham. Team members include: Avery Caldwell, Crew Arter, Will Bishop, Claritza Decimus, Aubrianna Caldwell, Micah Allen, Larry Kelly, Braxton Miller, Kiaun Feagin,Tahlon Downey, Jaevin Howard, Braxton Sutton, Gage Criss, Wyatt Eddleblute, Kendra Cori, Sam Hamilton, Kennedy Haag, Joslyn Sutton, Konnor Leonard, Nico DiOrio, Phillip Pickens, Apollo Thein, Jordan Lookabaugh, Gavin Griffith, Namaj Seals, Bryson Smith, Trenton Bumpus, Mayzon Davis, Flynn Jovani, Braxton Sosby, Brody Blancett, Zane Micheli, Keith Rawlins, Evan Flemming, Aydan Blaine, Lennon Lawhorn, Karter Volz, Ayuta Yoda, Jordan Heckard, Gage Miller, Isaac Drozda, Isaac Ginn, Andrew Crouch, Naomi Mullins, Emma Boor, Olivia Whisler, Gavynn Lozier, Ronnie Maddox, Kenny Sanger, Everett Breedlove, Lucas Catlett, Drake Adkins. Credit: Submitted

SHELBY — Pioneer Career & Technology Center recently welcomed area middle school students for an engaging robotics competition, showcasing innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Students from Galion City Schools, Ontario Local Schools, and Mansfield Christian School competed in a series of challenges designed to test their robotics knowledge and technical abilities.

Teams worked collaboratively to navigate the course, applying critical thinking and hands-on skills to complete each task.

The event was hosted by Pioneer’s Industrial Electricity program, where the instructor and students played a key role in organizing and running the competition. Their efforts provided middle-school students with a high-quality, real-world experience while also demonstrating leadership and technical expertise.

Ontario Middle School earned the title of Tournament Champion, with all participating teams demonstrating exceptional effort, teamwork, and performance throughout the event.

A special thank you to Ohio Valley Manufacturing, Inc. for sponsoring the competition and supporting opportunities that connect students to careers in engineering and manufacturing.

Congratulations to all participating teams for their hard work and dedication. The level of skill and sportsmanship displayed by each team made for an outstanding competition.

Galion Middle School’s squad was the runner-up at this robotics competition led by instructor Isaac Keinath. The team includes Preston Weaver, Damon Hickman, Evan Conrad, Jett Ely, Gavin Goldsmith, Carter Thornton, Scarlett Martin, Max Eichorn, Lucas Prosser, and Lily Frankhouse.