<div><strong>They didn’t just win; they dominated.</strong>
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<div>On Feb 14, Island Robotics VEX VRC Team 316W (affectionately known as "Wall-E") achieved the rare "Double Crown" at the Hawaiʻi State Championships. Not only did they take home the State Championship Title, but they also earned the Excellence Award - the highest honor given in VEX robotics, recognizing the top all-around team in the state.
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<div>Either of these wins would have qualified them for the World Championships. Earning both is a testament to their relentless dedication, logical problem-solving, and months upon months of many hours spent building and testing in the garage.
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<div><strong>The Challenge: Getting from Hawaiʻi to St. Louis</strong>
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<div>The VEX World Championship takes place in St. Louis, MO, from April 21–24. While the team has the skills to compete with the best in the world, the geography of being a Hawaiʻi-based team presents a significant financial challenge.
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<div>We have less than two months to raise the necessary funds to get these brilliant students and their robot across the Pacific and into the heart of the Midwest.
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<div><strong>Where Your Support Goes</strong>
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<div>Every dollar raised goes directly toward the team's travel and registration expenses:
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<div><strong>Airfare</strong>: Round-trip travel for the team and their equipment from Honolulu to St. Louis.
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<div><strong>Lodging</strong>: Safe accommodations for the duration of the 4-day competition.
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<div><strong>Registration Fees</strong>: Entry into the World Championship event.
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<div><strong>Ground Transport &amp; Food</strong>: Ensuring the team is fueled and ready to compete at their highest level.
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<div><strong>Why Support Team 316W?</strong>
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<div>As representatives of Island Robotics, these students are more than just "robotics kids." They are future engineers, leaders, and problem-solvers. They’ve spent hundreds of hours designing, coding, and testing "Wall-E" to reach this moment. By donating, you aren't just paying for a plane ticket; you are investing in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students to represent our islands on a global stage.
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<div>No donation is too small. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every bit of support helps "Wall-E" get to Missouri.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>Donate: Click the button to contribute to our travel fund.
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<div><strong>Share</strong>: Even if you can’t donate, sharing this link with your network makes a huge difference!
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<div><strong>Follow the Journey</strong>: We will post updates here as the team prepares for the big stage in April.
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<div><strong>Mahalo for supporting Hawaiʻi’s future in STEM! Let's get Team 316W to Worlds!</strong>
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Anonymous

Lisa Donelon

Kathryn Sakai

Alisa Sako

Emmett Mossman

Cyrus & Paulina Choy

Julie White

Laura Suzumoto

Maynes-Oliphant

Curtis Kekahuna

Robin Kumabe

Lois Murasaki

Mitch Block

Noah Block

Lacy Epperson

Kehaulani Matsumoto

sumiko king

Help Hawaii Robotics Champs Reach VEX Worlds: "316W Wall-E"

Help Hawaii Robotics Champs Reach VEX Worlds: "316W Wall-E"

Still $4,038 to go. Help us build momentum.