Fund the Duke Decoders Lego League State Championships trip

The Duquesne City School District's Lego League team, the Duke Decoders, have qualified to participate in the Lego League Pennsylvania State Championships, which will be held in February in Palmyra, Pennsylvania.

The Decoders are looking to raise funds for room and board, transportation, and food for the trip. Without these funds, they will not be able to travel and participate in the competition.

Lego League integrates robotics, coding, and gameplay with legos. Since the Duquesne City School District expanded its Lego League program and began competing in regional competitions in the 2022-23 school year, students have heavily latched onto the activity.

The opportunity to think creatively, program robots, and collaborate have been some big drawing points, but above all, the relationships formed through Lego League are what have truly made it a great success.

“I like how we’re a family, not a team,” said Rama Dallou, an 8th grader and three-year participant in Lego League.

“We’re just one big happy family,” Brian Stowell, one of the district’s Lego League coaches, added.

Stowell and his wife, Michelle Stowell, coach the team and drive the school van to transport students to and from practice every weekend. When asked what he likes about Lego League, two-year participant Elynn Gooden said “everything.” Dallou added that it would be “really cool” to participate in the state championships.

Many students on this year’s team also play basketball, but happily dedicate their after school and weekend time to perfect their skills at Lego League.

“They all love it so much,” said Mr. Stowell.

To read more about the Duke Decoders, click here.