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West Valley School robotics team dives into preparations for world championship. The team still needs to raise about $5,000.

April 3, 2025/

The West Valley School Gummy Sharks robotics team is diving into preparations to compete on the international stage at the FIRST World Championship.

Team members Owen Banek, Marcus Bedtelyon, Brandon Hemmelman, Caleb Kreuger, Kody Mangis, Hap Pemble, Henry Weber and Andrew Willis are currently fundraising to cover travel, lodging and meal expenses for the April 16–19 event in Houston. West Valley science teacher Matt Honcoop said the team still needs to raise about $5,000.

To donate, people may mail checks to West Valley School, 2290 Farm to Market Road Kalispell, MT 59901. People may also donate through PayPal at https://tinyurl.com/WVStechwarriors.

In addition to competing and attending conference sessions, the team looks forward to touring the NASA Johnson Space Center. For some, it will also be their first time flying.


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