Board recognizes students for robotics achievements

At its Sept. 8 meeting, the District 131 Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Robert Halverson recognized four students for their achievements in competitive robotics. The students participated in District 131’s STEM Ignition after-school program and have advanced from weekly STEM activities to regional, national and international robotics competitions.

Four District 131 students competed at the 2026 USEL Affiliate Cup, held at Northern Illinois University this summer.

East Aurora High School student Nicholas Sookoo earned first place in the RoboMission Junior division, qualifying him for the World Robot Olympiad International Final in Puerto Rico, Dec. 8-10.

Nathan Sookoo of Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy and Noah Sookoo of Benavides STEAM Academy placed third in the RoboMission Elementary division. Their finish qualified them for the Americas Open Championship in California, Sept. 25-27.

Josue Favela of Johnson Elementary School also competed in RoboMission Elementary at the Affiliate Cup during his first year of competition. Josue later earned first place at the Regional Open Qualifier in Charlottesville, Virginia, Sept. 5-6, qualifying him for the Americas Open Championship.

Congratulations to our students, their families, The Wong Center for Education, Chasewood Learning, and all the adults who help our students achieve! 

About STEM Ignition

STEM Ignition is an after-school program now in its third year in District 131. The program is offered through a partnership with The Wong Center for Education, with generous support from the Dunham Foundation.

The Wong Center, which coordinates STEM Ignition, works with Chasewood Learning as its robotics partner, helping students develop their skills and prepare for competitive robotics.

The program gives students opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on activities while building skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork.

STEM Ignition meets once a week after school and is free for students. Space is limited, and registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis. Students remain at school after the regular school day, receive a snack and participate in the program before being picked up by a parent or guardian.