All girls robotic team heads to state

Newberg High School’s all-girls robotics team, “Iron Men,” qualified for State competition last weekend. Naivit Velazquez, Aurora McCollum, Juli Dubois, Riley Woodland, Hannah Hetzler, Zoe VanderWater, Jessica Stone and Nashmy Luna have been mentored by 2013 NHS grad Brennan Vandenhoek and community member Jeff Keiser. Nancy Almquist is the Iron Men coach.

"These students have challenged themselves to a new level by creating a robot, engineering log and presentation for the judges," said Terry Coss, NHS engineering teacher. "As a result of their hard work, this rookie girls team earned the first place Think Award along with second place in the Inspire Award category, qualifying them for state in the First Tech Challenge."