Based on the number of students and the loudness, the inaugural Emerald Coast BEST Robotics competition at the University of West Florida was a rousing success. Five schools in Northwest Florida were among the winners advancing to the finals at Auburn University on Dec. 7-8.

Creating a BEST hub in Northwest Florida attracted interest from 30 area high schools and middle schools. The competition served to increase student interest in science and technology, which pays off in the long run by creating a more qualified, economically viable workforce in Northwest Florida.

Gulf Power Company is the major sponsor of the competition for BEST – Boosting, Engineering, Science and Technology.

This year's competition – 2021 … a Robot Odyssey – required the homemade robots to traverse the surface of Mars, pick up supplies and deliver them to a depot within three minutes. Teams earned points for the different supplies delivered. Teams also were scored on a notebook detailing their robot construction, a presentation and team spirit.

Milton High won the Robotics competition, while Hobbs Middle School finished second. Woodlawn Beach Middle School won the overall BEST award, while Holley-Navarre was second and Seaside Neighborhood Middle School was third. These five teams will advance to the regionals at Auburn.

Most teams brought other students from their schools to cheer the robotics team on. Some brought cheerleaders, others brought a mascot, while one school brought a pep band, keeping the atmosphere loud and festive throughout the day.

BEST award

1. Woodlawn Beach Middle
2. Holley-Navarre Middle
3. Seaside Neighborhood Middle

Robotics award

1. Milton High
2. Hobbs Middle
3. King Middle

Best Team Web page

1. Seaside Neighborhood Middle
2. King Middle
3. West Florida High

Best T-shirt Design

1. King Middle School
2. Holley-Navarre Middle
3. Avalon Middle

Founders Award for Creative Design
King Middle

Most Robust Robot
West Florida High

Most Elegant Robot
King Middle

Most Photogenic Robot
West Florida High

Best Oral Presentation

1. Woodlawn Beach Middle
2. Laurel Hill
3. OWC Collegiate High

Best Table Display and Interview

1. Avalon Middle
2. Holley-Navarre Middle
3. King Middle

Best Project Engineering Notebook

1. OWC Collegiate High
2. Seaside Neighborhood Middle
3. Mowat Middle

Best Spirit and Sportsmanship

1. King Middle
2. Holley-Navarre Middle
3. Mowat Middle