The Molokai Monarchs robotics team competed in the state championship at the Blaisdell Arena. From left, Momi Afelin, Puakea Domingo, Sarah Jenkins and Cendall Manley (Moriah Jenkins not pictured). Team coaches Heidi Jenkins and Melanie Goode not shown.
Molokai was well represented at a state championship robotics competition on Oahu last weekend. Five Molokai girls took part in the First Lego League “Smart Move” state championship at the Blaisdell Arena on Saturday.
Representing Kaunakakai Elementary School, Molokai High, Aka’ula School and Molokai homeschoolers, the five girls came up with a new team name — the Molokai Monarchs. The five girls — Momi Afelin, Cendall Manley, Puakea Domingo and sisters Moriah and Sarah Jenkins — did not win the overall competition but did take first place for their presentation. With 48 teams competing in project presentation, robot performance, technical design and teamwork, Punahou School won the overall title with Iolani School as the runner-up.
This is the first year that Molokai has competed in a robotics competition. Teachers, parents, volunteers all helped make this possible. The robotics program at Kaunakakai Elementary received a major boost from the Maui Economic Development Board, receiving a $5,000 grant.
The Molokai Monarch’s first place presentation was a project called “Let’s Go Build a Kite.” The concept is to use giant kites to power the Molokai to Maui Molokai Princess ferry, thereby saving fuel and lowering costs for passengers.
Filed under: Schools
