Students from Vernon Johns Middle School (VJMS) in Petersburg recently won first place in Robot Design in the Virginia/DC First LEGO League Regional Qualifying Tournament, which came about through their participation in the Digital Inspiration for Interactive Video Game Design and Programming Project sponsored by Longwood University. Longwood, in collaboration with Virginia State University, sponsored the competition.

The tournament was held at James River High School. Students Dejah Burrow, Brianna Hill, Silbert Hyndman, Adrian Johnson and Austin Johnson represented VJMS.

The students were recognized for their accomplishments at the May meeting of the Board of the Petersburg City Public Schools. Their participation, it was noted, will help them become prepared for future careers in engineering and science.

Pictured, not in order: Dejah Burrow, Brianna Hill, Austin Johnson, Silbert Hyndman and Adrian Johnson, with their parents and supporting staff members in the Petersburg City Public Schools.