Three Plymouth Robotics Teams qualify for VEX World Championship; $11,000 fundraising goal set

Plymouth High School and Lincoln Junior High School will be well-represented on the global stage this month, as three official Plymouth Robotics teams have qualified for the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis.

Earning a spot at the World Championship is a rare and prestigious accomplishment. Out of the entire state of Indiana, only 14 high school teams and 11 middle school teams secured invitations to compete. Program officials emphasized that Plymouth Robotics is the exclusive, school-sanctioned middle and high school robotics program representing the Plymouth school corporation in the VEX Robotics circuit.

The three teams heading to St. Louis have demonstrated exceptional skill and innovation throughout the season:

• High School Team 586E "Easy Breezy" will be competing April 21–24. Team members Freddy Kallenberg, Chance Miller, Wyatt Houin, and Cora Hanes placed 1st in the Skills category at the State Competition. They are currently ranked an impressive #36 in the entire world.
• Middle School Team 587Z "Zingbots" are competing April 25–27, team members Sydney Morrison, Luci Hamand, Carter Richards, and Hayden Barnhart are currently ranked #10 in the state in the Skills category.
• Middle School Team 586V "Vulcanoes" will compete  April 25–27, team members Bear Kallenberg and Brayden Mabie are currently ranked #12 in the state in the Skills category.

While the students have proven they have the talent to compete globally, getting all three teams to St. Louis requires significant financial backing. The program needs to raise nearly $11,000 to cover registration fees, travel expenses, and incidental costs.

The Marshall County community is invited to rally behind these dedicated students through three upcoming fundraising events: on Wednesday, April 8, it’s a Giveback Night at Bourbon Street Pizza in Plymouth. Customers who mention "Plymouth Robotics" when ordering will have a portion of their sale donated directly to the teams. On Monday, April 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be a Community Night & Silent Auction at Lincoln Junior High School. The public is invited to meet the team members, see the award-winning robots in action, and enjoy local food trucks. A silent auction will be held to help reach the funding goal. On Tuesday, April 14, it’s another Giveback Night, this time at The Breakroom Pub & Grill in Argos. A portion of the evening's dining sales will be donated to support the trip.

For those unable to attend the events, the program is actively seeking direct support. Cash or check donations can be dropped off at the main offices of Lincoln Junior High School or Plymouth High School. Checks should be made payable to the school with "Worlds" written on the memo line to ensure the funds are routed correctly.

Additionally, team sponsorship slots are still available for local businesses looking to partner with these high-achieving students. For more information regarding sponsorships or donations, please contact Head Coach Michael Wraight at mwraight@plymouth.k12.in.us.