Robotics Champs

Hogg Middle School was one of the first schools to incorporate robotics into the everyday curriculum. Hogg became a Math, Science, and Technology Magnet school in 2001, with robotics being the center of the program. The Hogg Principal and staff at the time realized that in order to have a successful robotics program, they must promote robotics within their community and in the district.

That same year, under the guidance of Lucien Junkin, Hogg Middle School began to host the first FLL tournaments in South Texas. Hogg also began to host the EARLY robotics tournaments for elementary schools every semester. Hogg would sponsor local elementary schools by providing them with robotics kits that were required to participate. Both tournament grew rapidly. Hogg continues to host the EARLY robotics tournaments every semester. FLL is outgrew Hogg Middle School’s facilities in 2005 and was moved to larger locations.

In 2003, Hogg realized that the community had a strong elementary and middle school program, but that Hogg students did not really have anywhere to continue their robotics studies. So, it was decided that if Hogg Middle School could participate in the FIRST robotics High School Tournament, it could prepare leaders for local high schools. Hogg participated in FIRST in 2004 for the first time. Hogg Middle Schoolers were able to build a functioning robot, and perform respectfully at the tournament. Seeing the success of their strategy, Hogg has continued to participate in FIRST until now.

Former Hogg students are now leaders of their FIRST robotics programs at Jefferson Davis, Reagan, and Booker T. High Schools. Hogg hopes to continue participating in FIRST and having one of the top robotics programs to prepare leaders for the future.