Kenston Forest School (KFS) students and their Robotics Team Leader Jason Buchanan traveled to Doswell on Feb. 17-18 to compete in the VEX IQ Robotics Virginia State Championship.

According to a school press release, the team members — students from grades 6-8 — had been preparing for the competition after school.

“During the two-day competition, teams had to score the most points during the TEAMWORK qualification matches. There were two drivers of the robots from KFS and two drivers from another school during each match.  This was the first state competition for the KFS Robotics Team, and they earned seventh and 22nd in teamwork qualification matches and 14th and 17th in skills challenges.”

Buchanan is a faculty member at KFS who came from Nottoway County Public Schools where he taught technology.

According to the release, he earned degrees from Southside Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech.

“Buchanan teaches the following classes at KFS: computer, invention and innovations, technology of robotic design, design multi-media and web technologies and intro to technology.”

According to the release, the Robotics Team supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education at KFS.

“The Robotics program engages students in hands-on activities in learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and encourages important life skills like teamwork, communication and project-based organization.”