LISBON – Finals for the VEX IQ Robotics League, middle school division, were held at The Columbiana County Career and Technical Center on Saturday, Feb. 1. Organized by the Columbiana County Educational Service Center, 20 teams competed representing six school districts including Beaver Local, Crestview, Columbiana, East Palestine, East Liverpool, and Springfield. Qualifying for the 2025 Ohio VRC Middle School State Championship in Dayton, Ohio on March 11 and 12 are award winners from East Liverpool and Crestview.

Crestview solidified a winning spot with their capture of the Excellence Award. Along with East Liverpool, Crestview will also advance for their combined winning efforts as Teamwork Champions.

Additional award recipients include: Columbiana winning the Create Award recognizing a creative engineering design, the Energy Award for outstanding enthusiasm and excitement, and the Innovate Award. The Build Award for the most well-constructed robot went to East Liverpool, as well as earning the Think Award. The Sportsmanship Award for their high degree of helpfulness on and off the competition field was earned by East Palestine. The Judges Award went to Springfield for overcoming challenges and displaying perseverance. Additionally, the Amaze Award went to Beaver Local, and the Design, Inspire, and Teamwork Challenge Awards went to multiple teams from Crestview.