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The “Raging Robots” at St. Francis Xavier School are all the rage throughout Arizona.

Not only is this the first year for the 10 sixth- through eighth-graders who make up the school’s robotics team, but they are deemed the best robotics team in the state. They’ll represent Arizona at an international competition in Denmark May 1-4.  

The Raging Robots beat out more than 1,200 students at the state level, earning a trophy for Most Innovative Robotics Programming. The team was singled out for their “Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” according to a robot club parent, and for mentoring others.

St. Francis Xavier is the first Catholic school to receive this honor and represent the U.S., the parent said. The team is one of eight representing the country, according to an article on the diocesan news page.

The St. Francis Xavier "Raging Robots." Courtesy photo.

The robotics team meets for two hours twice a week after school under the guidance of three staff members. According to robotics coach Lyn McLaren — who also serves as the school’s Technology coordinator:

”Robotics is the the fourth R. In addition to reading, (w)riting and  (a)rithmatic, robotics is an exciting and fun global program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science and technology, and promotes teamwork and collaboration in an educational setting. Students on the robotics team:

• Research and solve a real-world problem based on the Challenge theme
• Present  research and solutions
• Build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts

The team has been holding bake sales and pencil sales to raise the required $24,000 in travel funds. They’re also seeking donations.            

Always one to solve problems, the team’s Web page says the students need “10 contributions of $2,400 or 1,000 donations of $24, or any amount in between, we will meet our goal!”

Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the school or made online.