The ArchaeoBricks Robotics Team Advances to the NJ Regional Finals

On Saturday, January 10th, the MLK Robotics Team competed in their First LEGO League (FLL) competition, aiming to earn a coveted spot at this year’s New Jersey Regional Championships—and the students did not disappoint.

This year’s team, proudly named the ArchaeoBricks, has been hard at work since the beginning of the school year, preparing for the annual First LEGO League Robotics Challenge. Each year, teams are evaluated on the LEGO Robotics Challenge, a team presentation, the creation of an original invention, and their demonstration of core values such as respect, teamwork, creativity, and sportsmanship.

The 2025 competition theme, “Unearthed,” challenged students to design and program a LEGO robot capable of completing archaeology-themed missions and puzzles. In addition, teams were asked to develop an original invention that could help archaeologists uncover the past.

Led by coach Jason Holmstrom, the ArchaeoBricks created an innovative robotic sieve called The ArchaeoWash, designed to eliminate the need for manual searching through sand. The students built an impressive, fully functioning prototype that wowed the judges.

By the end of the competition, the MLK Robotics Team achieved outstanding success—advancing to the New Jersey Regional Finals and earning the prestigious Core Values Award, a testament to their exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork, and kindness throughout the event.

The team included three returning members from last year’s regional finalist team—Harmoni Edmondson, Kendriel Noel Guzman, and Madison Gibbs—along with five first-year members: Kendrialys Noel Guzman, Ma’Kiylah Watson, Amir Shepherd, Sadey Carreon, and Eva Desimil Terrero.

What an amazing performance by all involved! Congratulations to the ArchaeoBricks on their incredible accomplishments. We can’t wait to see you compete at the Regional Finals—Go Tigers!