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Student Spotlight: Ismaeel and Maryum – Washington Virtual Academies’ Robotics Champions 

Stories & Spotlights

At Washington Virtual Academies, we celebrate students who push boundaries, embrace challenges, and achieve remarkable accomplishments. Today, we shine the spotlight on two exceptional students, twin siblings Ismaeel and Maryum, who made history at the first-ever K12 National Robotics Competition in 2023. Their journey, from first-time competitors to national champions, is an inspiring testament to curiosity, determination, and the power of online learning. 

A Journey of Learning and Innovation 

For Ismaeel and Maryum, the K12 National Robotics Competition was a brand-new experience. “We had never participated in any coding or robotics competition before,” shared Ismaeel. “Our experience with Scratch coding helped us get started, but learning to program the Lego Mindstorm EV3 robot was a whole new challenge.” 

Thanks to Washington Virtual Academies, the siblings were able to immerse themselves in the Lego platform, learning the ins and outs of programming their robot. In addition to the resources provided by their school, they took the initiative to watch YouTube tutorials with their learning coach, picking up techniques and refining their skills along the way. Their dedication and perseverance proved to be the keys to their success. 

The Road to Victory

To qualify for the national competition, Ismaeel and Maryum first had to compete against more than 140 students from schools across the country. Their hard work paid off, securing them a spot at Nationals, where they faced off against some of the brightest minds in robotics. With a combination of critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, the duo successfully programmed their robot using Cogmation Robotics software, allowing it to navigate a complex path. 

The challenge required them to design a precise route for their robot, which included picking up blocks, transporting them to predetermined zones, and finally returning to a designated landing pad for scoring. Through trial and error, continuous learning, and strategic planning, they perfected their code and execution—ultimately securing 1st place in the competition. 

Their victory earned them not only a prestigious trophy and certificate, but also the honor of being the first students to ever win the national competition. 

An Unforgettable Experience 

Reflecting on the event, the siblings recall an experience filled with excitement and camaraderie. “We had a lot of fun at the K12 head office on competition day, watching all the participants try to make their code work while enjoying the challenge,” said Maryum. “It was also our first trip to Washington, D.C., which made the experience even more memorable.” 

As part of the competition, K12 treated all participants and their families to a sightseeing tour of Washington, D.C., making it an educational and thrilling adventure beyond just robotics. 

Inspiring Future Innovators 

Ismaeel and Maryum’s journey proves that with passion, determination, and the right support system, anything is possible. Their message to fellow students? “We hope that our story will inspire others to participate in the next K12 Robotics Competition,” said Maryum. “We are excited to compete again, and we encourage others to give it a try, too!”

At Washington Virtual Academies, we are incredibly proud of Ismaeel and Maryum’s accomplishments. Their story is a shining example of how online learning provides students with unique opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and achieve success beyond the virtual classroom. We can’t wait to see what these talented siblings accomplish next! 

Congratulations, Ismaeel and Maryum—you are an inspiration to us all! 

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