The Extraordinary Axolotls, a SeaPerch Robotics team from William A. Diggs Elementary School, earned the title of Best Overall during a March 11 competition held at the annual HITS Expo.

The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) History, Industry, Technology and Science Expo is a history and science fair featuring activities, demonstrations and competitions for students in elementary through high school.

The Extraordinary Axolotls is made up of Diggs fourth graders Raven Swinson, Kassidy Kristafey Villanueva and Briella Graves. Coaches are kindergarten teacher Traci Davis, science teacher Mike Johnson and third grade teacher Erica Bliss. The team advances to the May 13 International SeaPerch Challenge at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Teams from Billingsley, Diggs and J.C. Parks elementary schools, John Hanson, Mattawoman and Milton M. Somers middle schools, and St. Charles High School competed in the SeaPerch Robotics challenge at the HITS Expo.

Diggs swept the awards podium, taking home accolades for each place and category.

Technical report

• Galaxy Hawks, Diggs, first place.
• Diving Samurai, Diggs, second place.
• Soaring Data, Diggs, third place.

Obstacle course

• Extraordinary Axolotls, Diggs, first place.
• Elementary Buoyancy, Diggs, second place.
• Diving Samurai, Diggs, third place.

SeaPerch Robotics allows students to design, build and race an underwater vehicle that is remotely operated. Ocean researchers and explorers use technology like robotics to study marine resources and environmental health of the ocean. The program is offered by the Office of Naval Research with hopes of preparing the next generation of naval architects. 

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,598 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).