HMK BEACON began a FIRST LEGO League Team. Under the direction of 4^th grade

teacher, Linda Grawet, six students competed at their first regional competition in

Price on January 7. The team comprised of both HMK and Middle School students

vied with other southeastern teams for a chance to qualify for the Utah FIRST LEGO

League Championship competition that will be held in Salt Lake City on January 28.

Although, BEACON’s team did not garner enough points to qualify, everyone gained

valuable experience and had a great time meeting other team members and learning

from them.

“Our team began in the summer, meeting for a couple of week-long workshops," Grawet

said. “Then, once school began, the team members have been meeting 1-2 times each

week. Our team is young and has a lot to learn, but we have wonderful enthusiasm. We

are already looking forward to building up the Team and getting ready for next year’s

competition. Our kids are great and they will be a formidable team next year!”

BEACON applied for and received a Grand Education Foundation Grant that was used

to purchase the initial robotic kits that are used both for the competition team and the

other afterschool robotic clubs at HMK.

“We are grateful to the Foundation for all their support and to Linda Grawet for her

tireless dedication in developing the robotics program. The whole thing would not

have happened without her commitment and perseverance," said BEACON Director

Stephanie Dahlstrom.