Team Hello Kitty’s Journey to the World Robot Olympiad

From the K12 Robotics League to the WRO Championship

The stage was set for an epic showdown in June 2024, as eleven teams gathered at Stride, Inc. headquarters for the K12 Robotics League in-person finals. These talented students, from grades 4–12, went head-to-head in a fierce competition to prove their programming skills and secure the championship title. Among them was Team Hello Kitty, a group of standout students who have now earned a place on Team USA for the World Robot Olympiad Open Championship for the Americas, set to take place in Puerto Rico in October 2024.

What is the World Robot Olympiad?

The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is an international competition that brings together young innovators from over 95 countries to tackle real-world challenges using robotics. With more than 60,000 participants, WRO is a global celebration of creativity, teamwork, and STEM skills. It’s a chance for students to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and math while building essential problem-solving and collaboration skills for the future.

Meet Team Hello Kitty

Team Hello Kitty consists of three ambitious 10th grade students: Chloe from Iowa Virtual Academy, Krista from Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, and Olivia from Virginia Virtual Academy. Guiding their journey is Coach Phil Przybylo, a gifted and talented resource coordinator at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy. The team credits Coach Phil, affectionately known as “Mr. Prizz,” for being the glue that keeps them focused and driven.

Despite coming from different schools and backgrounds, these students have shown that distance is no obstacle to success. They communicate, share ideas, and collaborate seamlessly using platforms like Discord and email. Coach Phil proudly shares, “They had to learn how to let the best ideas rise to the top and become effective collaborators. They did just that.”

Team Hello Kitty prepares for the final round at the 2024 K12 Robotics competition.

A Journey for All Skill Levels

Team Hello Kitty’s journey isn’t a story of seasoned programmers. Krista, for example, had never programmed before joining the K12 Robotics League. She had always loved puzzles and problem-solving, and this competition gave her the perfect opportunity to try coding for the first time. “The K12 Robotics League gave me a great opportunity to try my hand at coding while having fun,” Krista shares. Similarly, Olivia’s passion for building and deconstructing things led her to join the league, where she says she’s been able to pursue her growing interest in STEM.

From the K12 Robotics League to the World Stage

The team’s journey to the World Robot Olympiad began in the fall of 2023 with the K12 Robotics League. They competed in two virtual challenges and one in-person final round. After securing third place in the First-Round Qualifier and second in the Second-Round Qualifier, Team Hello Kitty clinched second place in the finals in June 2024.

Their hard work paid off again in July at the WRO U.S. Open in Aurora, Illinois. They finished third and earned a coveted spot on Team USA for the WRO Open Championship in Puerto Rico.

Dedication Beyond Competition

While most kids were enjoying summer vacation, Team Hello Kitty was hard at work programming, strategizing, and perfecting their robot’s performance. Their dedication shows just how deeply robotics has sparked their passion for learning. As Coach Phil says, “While the rest of the country was soaking up their summer break, these young engineers were raising the bar and their own personal expectations each day.”

Team Hello Kitty competing in the final round at the 2024 K12 Robotics competition.

What Team Hello Kitty Gained Through Robotics

Participation in the K12 Robotics League has been more than just a competition for Chloe, Krista, and Olivia—it’s been a journey of personal growth. Olivia notes that her teamwork and communication skills have improved, and Krista recalls how building her first robot felt like unlocking a “secret knowledge.” “It was a really cool and memorable experience,” she says.

Beyond technical skills, the competition has helped the team build life skills like collaboration, openness to new ideas, and creative problem-solving. Coach Phil explains, “Most of them were trying out coding and robotics for the first time this past year, and now they’re taking on the best in the world.”

The Journey Continues on the World Stage

Team Hello Kitty is gearing up to represent the USA at the 2024 WRO Open Championship, which will take place from October 1–3, 2024, in Puerto Rico. Their journey from virtual challenges to the world stage is an inspiring reminder of the power of teamwork, dedication, and a passion for robotics.

The team is excited to showcase their creativity and skills on an international platform. Krista is eager to see how they stack up against the brightest minds in robotics, while Olivia is thrilled to meet other young innovators from around the world and embrace the cultural exchange. “I’m also excited because this will be my first time [traveling to a U.S. territory],” she adds.

The team’s enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s clear that this experience has already been a life-changing opportunity for them. Krista says, “Our coach, Mr. Prizz, has been the glue that holds the team together. He inspires us with his enthusiasm and generosity, and it drives us to give our very best because we want him to be as proud of us as we are of our achievements.”

Team Hello Kitty placed second in the 9–12th grade division at the 2024 K12 Robotics competition.

Ready to join the next robotics competition?

The 2025 K12 Robotics Competition is right around the corner! Open to K12-powered students in grades 4–12, this competition offers an affordable way to dive into robotics, with a $50 software license fee per participant. Whether your child is an experienced coder or just starting out, the K12 Robotics Competition is the perfect place to learn, collaborate, and grow.

Registration is open from October 1 through December 16, 2024. Visit the K12 Robotics Competition website to learn more, or contact [email protected].