Hamblen County Schools is celebrating an impressive achievement as its Robot Drone League (RDL) team secured a second-place finish at the national competition held at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.

The national event brought together student teams from multiple states to compete in a dynamic and collaborative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) competition. Designed to promote hands-on, student-centered learning, the RDL competition challenges students to apply critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills in real-world scenarios that mirror today’s workforce demands.

This year’s competition, known as the MOONBASE challenge, pushed students to think beyond Earth and into the future of space exploration. Inspired by NASA’s Artemis program, the challenge tasked high school teams with designing, building, and piloting robots and drones capable of completing mission-critical objectives in a simulated lunar environment. From resource harvesting to habitat development and research operations, students were required to approach each task with creativity, precision, and collaboration.

The competition field itself was an engineering feat—spanning 7.3 by 11.0 meters and featuring simulated environments such as agricultural zones, energy sources, and a functioning mineshaft. Teams competed in alliances, working both cooperatively and strategically to recover valuable ore and maximize their scores. The complexity of the course demanded not only mechanical design skills, but also advanced programming knowledge.

A strong emphasis on computer science set this competition apart. Students developed and executed complex algorithms to guide autonomous drones and robots through intricate challenges. This integration of coding, engineering, and real-time problem solving reflects the growing importance of interdisciplinary skills in modern STEM careers.

Beyond the competition itself, the Robot Drone League aligns with national educational standards, including the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These connections ensure that students are not only competing, but also building meaningful academic and career-ready skills.

Hamblen County’s second- place national finish highlights the district’s commitment to providing innovative learning opportunities that prepare students for the future. Competing— and excelling—on a national stage demonstrates the strength of the program and the dedication of the students who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

As STEM opportunities continue to expand within Hamblen County Schools, achievements like this serve as a powerful reminder: when students are given the tools, guidance, and opportunity to explore, they can compete with the best in the nation—and succeed.