BEDFORD – More than 500 students from across New Hampshire gathered on Dec. 6 at Bedford High School for the FIRST LEGO League State Championship, a celebration of STEM, teamwork and innovation.

Fifty of the state’s top teams of students in grades 4-8 competed for titles and advancement opportunities at the culmination of the UNEARTHED season, part of the global FIRST AGE program.

During the opening ceremony, Gov. Kelly Ayotte spoke about the impact that FIRST programs have had on students across New Hampshire.

“FIRST LEGO League teaches students problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. Learning these skills at an early age sets kids up for a lifetime of success,” she said. “I thank FIRST for the work they’re doing to help the next generation of innovators learn and grow in New Hampshire.”

Dr. Alix Martin, an archaeologist and anthropologist at Strawbery Banke Museum, encouraged students to carry the spirit of discovery forward beyond the competition season, challenging them to think about how their skills can shape the future.

“I invite you to keep archaeology in mind even when this season of FIRST ends,” he said. “How can the thrill of discovery motivate you in the future? How can you use technology and specialized tools in new and creative ways? How can we best translate the work we each find exciting so that we excite those around us?”

Throughout the day, teams showcased their robotic designs, coding skills, research projects and collaborative problem-solving while demonstrating the program’s core values of innovation, teamwork and gracious professionalism.

The award winners are as follows:

Champion’s Award (Overall Excellence)

-First Place Champion and World Festival Advancement: Team 64083 – Archaeological Arachnids

-Second Place Champion: Team 15971 – Saucy Blue Box

-Third Place Champion: Team 69575 – Team Chaos in Control

Robot Performance Award

-First Place: Team 65244 – Max Recursion Depth (High Score: 400)

-Second Place: Team 65243 – Sea Serpents

-Third Place: Team 15971 – Saucy Blue Box

Robot Design Award

-First Place: Team 59406 – Hive

-Second Place: Team 69384 – Team Major

-Third Place: Team 70731 – Flaming Phoenix

Innovation Project Award

-First Place: Team 72058 – Keepers of the Past

-Second Place: Team 71402 – Artifactors

-Third Place: Team 61146 – The BrickBots

Core Values Award

-First Place: Team 68965 – Wildcat Nerds

-Second Place: Team 65629 – Lego Lickitungs

-Third Place: Team 46950 – Guac-A-Moles

Judges’ Awards