Oklahoma City, OK – July 14, 2025 – Students from Millwood Public Schools are celebrating
a remarkable showing at the 2025 Global Conference for Educational Robotics (GCER), an
international event that brings together some of the brightest young minds in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics. Representing Millwood were the Millwood Arts Academy
Robotics Team and the Millwood Elementary Junior Botball Team—both coached by Coach
Samone Taylor.
GCER, hosted annually by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics, is the premier global event
for students participating in Botball, a hands-on robotics program that teaches real-world STEM
and computer science skills. Through the Botball curriculum, students learn to design, build, and
program autonomous robots to complete a series of complex challenges—developing not only
technical knowledge but also critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Millwood Elementary’s Junior Botball Team earned the coveted KISS Award, a distinction
given to teams that demonstrate ingenuity, teamwork, and perseverance in the Junior Botball
Challenge. Competing against teams from across the United States and around the globe, the
elementary students showcased extraordinary dedication and potential.
The Millwood Arts Academy Robotics Team, a team of seven 6th and 7th grade female
students, delivered an outstanding performance in the main Botball competition, securing Third
Place in the Double Elimination Rounds, Third Place Overall in their division, and also
receiving the prestigious KISS Award. In a dramatic moment during the tournament, one of
their primary robots was deemed ineligible just before a critical match. The team quickly
pivoted—modifying their second robot’s design and strategic programming to maximize scoring.
Their ability to adapt under pressure propelled them to the semifinals of the Double Elimination
bracket.
Millwood Arts Academy competed with more than 40 teams from countries such as Taiwan,
Austria, China, and Australia, proudly representing their community on the global stage. Their
success reflects the district’s commitment to providing high-impact STEM opportunities and
empowering students to lead in technology-driven industries.
“We are incredibly proud of what our students accomplished,” said Coach Samone Taylor. “Their
resilience, creativity, and technical skills were on full display at GCER. As one of the youngest
teams competing in Botball, this experience is a powerful reminder of the greatness our youth are
capable of when given the opportunity.”
For more information about Millwood Public Schools and their growing robotics program,
please contact the district administration office or visit www.millwoodps.org.
