Henry W. Moore School robotics team 271F “The Duckies” honored after VEX Worlds appearance

The Candia Select Board heard a presentation from the Henry W. Moore School robotics team 271F, known as the Duckies, and coaches Catherine (Kathy) Sanjelo and Mark Santangelo, following the team’s participation in the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas.

Coaches and students said the team — comprised of eighth-graders who each served three seasons — practiced twice weekly through the October-to-March season, competed across New Hampshire and qualified for state championships, and ultimately earned a Teamwork Champion award that qualified them for Worlds. At VEX Worlds (May 12–14), they competed with more than 400 teams and worked with teams from China, Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Ghana.

Students described the VEX Rapid Relay competition and how their robot was designed: an intake to gather balls, a catapult-style shooter for upper-goal shots, a roller for the lower goal and aligners to correct approach angle. Team members said they doubled their driver-skill score at Worlds and collected pins and mementos from teams representing many countries.

Coaches and board members praised the students’ teamwork and representation of Candia. The board recognized the team’s achievement and invited them to return with future teams.