Six Rutherford County teachers receive TVA robotics grants to expand student teams

The Rutherford County Board of Education recognized six district educators for receiving robotics grants from the Tennessee Valley Authority and Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated and heard brief presentations about how the money will be used.

Brandy Breneman of Thurman Francis Arts Academy said her school will expand its VEX IQ robotics program and has already purchased pneumatics kits with grant funds.

James Elliott, a STEM teacher at Rock Springs Middle School, said a $5,000 grant will pay for a laser engraver and cutter the team will use to fabricate gears and components; he called the tool a game changer for future competitions. Elliott said his team will compete in Best Robotics and expected the equipment to be ready for next season.

Lindsay Inglade said La Verne High School had not previously had a STEM club or robotics team; a $5,000 grant allowed the school to purchase VEX robots and begin a program, with plans to visit TCAT Smyrna to connect students to career pathways.

Mark Guthrie of Central Magnet said his programs enter multiple contests, including a robot-and-drone league, FIRST Tech Challenge (hosted at MTSU in February) and NASA HERC human rover competitions; the grant helps cover roughly $2,000 annual entry fees and supplies.

Rachel Hibdon, a library media specialist at Rocky Fork Middle School, said she is reviving a VEX IQ team and will use Sphero competition robots in library instruction and cross-curricular lessons.

Kevin Welch, who could not attend with students due to contest preparations, was recognized for his mentorship role and for the board’s recognition of the grants — the first year TVA offered specific robotics grants in Rutherford County.

The presentations highlighted equipment purchases, competition entry costs and plans to integrate robotics into classroom instruction as well as extracurricular clubs.