The robotics team at St. John School in Russellville, named the Robo Rockstars, earned the prestigious Judges Award at the 2025 VEX IQ World Championships, the largest robotics tournament for elementary and middle school students, May 6-14. Composed of students in fourth through sixth grades, the team included Julia Duffield, Sy Odle, Liam Goodwin and Jackson Shoptaw.
The VEX IQ World Championships, held this year in Dallas, brought together more than 1,200 teams from more than 50 countries. The Robo Rockstars stood out to the judging panel for their well-crafted robot, thoughtful design process and teamwork.
Principal Vivian Fox said, “Our entire school is beaming with pride. To see students this young already competing — and winning — on the world stage is nothing short of extraordinary. They’re proof that big dreams begin in small classrooms.
Jackson Shoptaw said, “We just wanted to do our best, have fun and represent our school and state well. Winning an award at Worlds … we couldn’t believe it.”
