SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech president Dr. Stephen Wells welcomed the local H.O.T. Squad, a quartet of youngsters who won a top award at the World FIRST Lego League Championships in April.

Team members are Josh Walsh, 14, Ixchel Valentino, 13, Iriana Valentino, 12, and Ithan Valentino, 10. They won the third place Gracious Professionalism Award. NMT was one of the team’s sponsors. The team members visited campus to thank Dr. Wells for the university’s financial support. They also presented him with a Lego trophy in the shape of a hand. Wells presented team members with framed certificates, movie passes, and T-shirts.

The H.O.T. Squad, or Heroes of Tomorrow, told Wells about their Lego project. This year’s theme was “Hydrodynamics,” so the team built solar oven that purifies and disinfects water. They also talked about their ambitions to return to the World Championships in coming years. Next year’s theme is “Into Orbit,” so they expect to be working on some form of rocketry.

Wells congratulated the team members and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of knowledge in science and engineering. Team coach Gwen Valentino said they look forward to Tech creating a Makers Space in the near future, which would provide needed resources for local FLL participants.

The H.O.T. Squad is the first FLL team from New Mexico to earn an award at the competition. The first Socorro FLL teams were formed four years ago. Now, thanks to sponsorships and grants, there are more than 30 teams in Socorro. The Socorro team was also the smallest group in the event.

– NMT –