Holding BINGO Saturday to raise money to attend
A Flandreau robotics team has been selected to represent South Dakota at the international FIRST® Championship in Houston this April.
Nacho Average Team received the Robot Design Award at the South Dakota State Championship on January 24th, 2026. This, along with their outstanding performance in the Robot Game, Core Values, and Innovation project means that they were selected to represent South Dakota at top competition.
Nacho Average Team is composed of six Flandreau Middle and Elementary students, Madison Aadland, Ella Wede, Hannah Roberts, Piper Haugen, Ian Haugen, and Myer McNickle.
Nacho Average Team will be competing against 200 other FIRST® LEGO® League teams in the Robot Game, Robot Design, Core Values, and the Innovation Project. Teams will also participate in an Innovation Expo, where they will get hands-on experience with cutting edge technology from around the world.
They first need to raise the $8,000 to attend the event in Houston, April 29 to May 2 and have a couple of fundraisers in the works.
Saturday, the group is sponsoring BINGO and food at the Second Presbyterian Church Dining Hall beginning at 5 p.m. with BINGO starting at 6 p.m. (see ad on page 3)
Donations can also be dropped off for them in care of coach Crystal Hanson at the Flandreau City Office or mailed to Coach Hanson at 406 S Wind St., Flandreau, SD 57028.
The team will also host a Showcase Dinner in early April. This event will also include the chance to bid on any donated raffle items or donated services. To donate, contact Hanson. Let’s help these kids get to Houston.
Nacho Average Team’s Innovation Project involves bringing South Dakota’s rich archeological heritage to more local classrooms. They have collaborated with experts at the Mitchell Indigenous Archeological Site and Dakota State University to create an immersive Virtual Reality recreation of a 1,000 year old Native American Village. This recreation will be used to tell the story of life in the James River Valley and the extensive trade network that existed between tribes at the time.
Moody County 4-H Robotics is currently working to raise the funds needed for the trip. They need to raise $8,000 and are looking for corporate and personal sponsorships. The teams are happy to do presentations for community groups as they work towards this goal. To sponsor or arrange a presentation please contact them at [email protected] or (605) 359-0704.
SD FIRST LEGO League is sponsored by Black Hills Special Services Cooperative from Rapid City, SD and is an alliance between FIRST and LEGO Education, introducing STEM to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. Students emerge as strong visionaries and divergent thinkers capable of applying innovative thinking to any problem.
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