From left: Alex Tisseront, Sanjana Mediri, Zach Wang, Vishnu Murthy, Siona Prasad, Aaraj Vij Photo contributed
First Lego League (FLL) Team Positive Aftermath from Great Falls took home the 1st Place Grand Champion Award at the Regional First Lego League (FLL) Competition for Division 2 at Thoreau Middle School held on Nov. 10. They will move on to compete on Dec. 7--8 at James Madison University for the VA/DC/MD FLL State Championship. Composed of sixth and seventh graders, this team has worked together since this summer on the subject of Hurricanes in conjunction with the theme of this year's FLL Robotic, Research and Core Values world challenge, "Nature's Fury." When Typhoon Haiyan hit, the team was in the middle of preparations for their upcoming tournament, but even as the competition was unfolding, in the spirit of helping others, these kids were already resolved to take action. They came together and created a GoFundMe website where we can all contribute and make a difference. "We read that the families don't need us to send used clothing or shoes. We found that the best thing we can do is send money to the right organizations. So that is what we decided to do." The kids researched the best way to get money to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan together with one of their team mentors who has family in the Philippines. They zeroed in on two organizations: The Philippine Red Cross and the Philippine Natural Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. You can help make a difference. Consider helping- even $5 can make a difference. Visit the team's fund page here: http://www.gofundme.com/Positive-Aftermath