Lexington, South Carolina, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington County School District One has awarded $10,000 in grants through the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant Awards to enhance STEM education for students. This funding supports middle and high school robotics teams, providing hands-on learning experiences in design, engineering, and teamwork. Ten teams from various schools in the district will benefit from this initiative, fostering essential skills for future career opportunities in technology and engineering fields, thanks to the contributions from Michelin North America.
Lexington, South Carolina – Lexington County School District One Awards $10,000 in VEX Robotics Grants to Support STEM Education
The Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation has awarded a total of $10,000 in grants through the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant Awards for the 2025-2026 academic year. This funding initiative aims to bolster STEM education and cultivate essential career skills among students within the district.
For the eighth consecutive year, these grants will specifically benefit middle and high school VEX robotics teams, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning by designing and building robots to compete in various local and state competitions. Through this program, participants gain invaluable skills, including design, engineering, coding, computational thinking, teamwork, marketing, and public speaking.
A total of ten VEX robotics teams from the district have been recognized as Michelin VEX Robotics Grant winners for this year. These teams include:
- 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
The Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors has expressed gratitude towards corporate partners, specifically Michelin North America, for their significant contributions towards enhancing local students’ educational experiences and their future opportunities in technology and engineering fields.
This yearly initiative not only facilitates hands-on learning but also encourages students to develop a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The robotics teams allow students to gain real-world experience as they work collaboratively to solve complex problems while preparing for potential careers in STEM fields.
Background Context
The Michelin VEX Robotics Grant was established to foster innovation and support student engagement in robotics and technological skills. Over the years, the program has continuously evolved to provide students with opportunities to advance their knowledge and capabilities in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Through these grants, the Lexington County School District aims to provide students with the necessary tools and experience to prepare for future demands in the job market, especially in STEM careers, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant?
The grant aims to strengthen STEM education by providing funding to middle and high school robotics teams in Lexington District One.
How many teams received grants this year?
A total of ten VEX robotics teams were awarded grants.
What skills do students learn through the robotics program?
Students develop skills in design, engineering, coding, computational thinking, teamwork, marketing, and public speaking.
Who sponsors the grants?
The grants are sponsored by the Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation, with significant support from Michelin North America.
Key Features of the Michelin VEX Robotics Grant Awards
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Amount of Grants Awarded | $10,000 |
| Duration of Program | 8th Year |
| Participating Schools | 10 Teams |
| Supported Educational Fields | STEM Education |
| Skills Developed | Design, Engineering, Coding, Teamwork, Public Speaking |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- SW Lex Ledger: Lexington One Educational Foundation Award 2025-2026 Michelin VEX Robotics Grants
- Kentucky.com: Lexington County School District One Updates
- VV Daily Press: Teacher Volunteer Recognition
- Mansfield News Journal: Richland County Foundation Awards
- Kentucky.com: Scott County News Update
- Wikipedia: Robotics
- Google Search: STEM education
- Google Scholar: VEX robotics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: STEM initiatives
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