*The Duke Decoders are looking to raise funds for room and board, transportation, and food for their trip to the Lego League State Championships. Without these funds, they will not be able to travel and participate in the competition. To fund their trip, click here to check out their Gofundme.*

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.

Mr. Stowell, the district’s Director of Facilities and Transportation, and Michelle Stowell, a Middle School teacher in the district, coach the Lego League team. Lego League integrates robotics, coding, and gameplay with legos.  

The district’s team, the Duke Decoders, performed excellently in the Southwest PA First LEGO League Grand Championship at Aliquippa High School on Dec. 7. The Decoders earned 1st place in core values for the 3rd year in a row, and subsequently advanced to the Pennsylvania State Championships, which will be held in February in Palmyra, Pennsylvania.  

Of 78 teams that competed in the regional competition, Duquesne was just one of eight teams to advance to the Pennsylvania State Championships.  

“It was amazing,” said Dallou. “We didn’t expect to get to states.”  

“They were in tears at the competition when they found out,” added Mr. Stowell. 

Lego League involves four components: robot game, robot design, core values, and innovation project. This year’s innovation project theme was "SUBMERGED" – meaning anything underwater. Teams were asked to design a solution to a real world problem that included that theme. The Decoders crafted a plan for underwater farming — a cheaper alternative to regular farming — which would help address food insecurity.  

Teams are asked to present on robot design, core values, and innovation project. The Decoders got a call back in all three categories, and were just one of three teams that got a call back in multiple categories. 

“We presented so well that we were one of eight teams to qualify for states,” said Mrs. Stowell. “Various judges walked up to us and let us know how well our kids presented, even compared to bigger schools.”  

“The head of robotics for Carnegie Mellon University came over to our team and wanted to know what we’re doing for programming,” added Mr. Stowell. “He thought it was unbelievable that little Duquesne could hang with the rest of these schools. 

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.  

Students practice every Saturday morning for three to four hours. Mr. and Mrs. Stowell drive the school van and transport students to and from practice. 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.