Denfeld Nation Automation (DNA) FIRST Robotics Team 4009 competed in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) State Robotics Championship. This marks DNA robotics’ fifth time competing at the state championship in their ten year team history. Each year, out of over 200 Minnesota robotics teams, the top 36 teams are invited to challenge  the state title. This year the tournament looked quite a bit different than usual, with teams competing virtually instead of in-person.  Teams designed, built, and drove their robots to complete specially designed challenges on video over the course of a month. DNA put in countless hours tweaking their robot to optimize their runs to score as high as possible.

Through hard work, dedication, and fun times, DNA overcame many obstacles throughout this atypical season.  It was a 5th place finish in the division challenges that secured enough ranking points to earn DNA an entry to state.  DNA’s captain, Madeline Bjonskaas, also earned the prestigious Dean’s List Award recognizing her for her strong leadership and accomplishment.  At the virtual state robotics award ceremony on May 29th, after the scores from all the challenges had been tabulated, DNA placed ninth at the State Robotics Championship!