Lexington, SC, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County School District One has been awarded $10,000 in Michelin VEX Robotics Grants to enhance STEM education for middle and high school students. Sponsored by Michelin North America, this grant supports ten local VEX robotics teams and aims to develop crucial skills in design, engineering, and coding, while also emphasizing teamwork and public speaking. The funding is a part of a long-standing partnership aimed at preparing students for future career opportunities in technology-driven fields.
Lexington, SC – Lexington County School District One has been awarded a total of $10,000 in Michelin VEX Robotics Grants for the 2025-2026 academic year. This funding is aimed at enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and developing vital career skills among students in the district.
For the eighth consecutive year, the grants are sponsored by Michelin North America in partnership with local leadership. The aim is to support middle and high school VEX robotics teams within Lexington District One, encouraging students to engage in the design and building of robots for both local and state VEX competitions.
Students participating in these robotics teams will have the opportunity to gain important skills in areas such as design, engineering, coding, and computational thinking. Additionally, the program emphasizes essential soft skills including teamwork, marketing, and public speaking, which are increasingly valuable to future employers.
Grant Recipients
This year, a total of ten VEX robotics teams from various middle and high schools in Lexington District One were recognized as recipients of the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant. The winning teams are:
- Beechwood Middle School – Coaches: Danielle Wyatt and Gina Rawl; Principal: Leah Saratopolous
- Carolina Springs Middle School – Coaches: Kristen Young and Ashleigh Mann; Principal: Patrice Green
- Gilbert Middle School – Coach: Aquia Evans; Principal: Dr. Stephanie Burgess
- Lakeside Middle School – Coach: Cezar Gherasim; Principal: Dr. Megan Carrero
- Lexington Technology Center – Coaches: Melissa Boehler and Daniel Cummins; Director: Bryce Myers
- Pelion Middle School – Coaches: John Leneschmidt and Carman Mangus; Principal: Jessica Keisler
- Pleasant Hill Middle School – Coaches: Darren Sigmon and Garrick Ball; Principal: Julie Painter
- River Bluff High School – Coach: Horst Daichendt; Principal: Jacob Smith
- White Knoll High School – Coach: Anibal Perez; Principal: Nicholas Pearson
- White Knoll Middle School – Coaches: Stacey Summerall and Maritza Castellanos; Principal: Donald Hardie
Support for Local Students
The Lexington One Educational Foundation expressed gratitude to Michelin North America for their continuous investment in the futures of local students. The support provided through this grant not only serves to enhance educational opportunities but also helps in preparing students for successful careers in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Importance of STEM Education
STEM education plays a crucial role in equipping young learners with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in various professional fields. With industries increasingly dependent on technology and innovation, engaging students in programs like those funded by the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant fosters an environment of learning that encourages growth in scientific and engineering disciplines.
Future Prospects
The Michelin VEX Robotics Grants contribute to bridging the gap between school education and real-world application, ultimately promoting a more skilled workforce ready to tackle future challenges.
FAQ Section
What is the purpose of the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant?
The grant aims to strengthen STEM learning and develop career skills in students of Lexington District One.
How much funding has been awarded this year?
The total amount awarded this year is $10,000.
What schools received the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant?
Ten VEX robotics teams were recognized as Michelin VEX Robotics Grant winners:
- Beechwood Middle School
- Carolina Springs Middle School
- Gilbert Middle School
- Lakeside Middle School
- Lexington Technology Center
- Pelion Middle School
- Pleasant Hill Middle School
- River Bluff High School
- White Knoll High School
- White Knoll Middle School
What skills do students gain through participation in robotics teams?
Students involved in robotics teams gain skills in design, engineering, coding, computational thinking, and collaboration.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $10,000 |
| Target Audience | Middle and high school students |
| Sponsor | Michelin North America |
| Focus Areas | STEM education, soft skills development |
| Participating Schools | 10 schools in Lexington District One |
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Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Meadow Glen Middle Robotics Teams are LEGO Winners
- The State: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: STEM
- Google Search: VEX robotics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robotics
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


