Photo provided A bystander watches as members of Iron Patriots Yikes compete at the Vex Robotics World Championships in St. Louis this week. Pictured from left are Rex Montanye, Josh Hess and Levi Henry.

WHEELING — No Northern Panhandle high school teams made the elimination round at the VEX Robotics World Championships in St. Louis, but one team did bring home a trophy.

The John Marshall High School team George Drinks Water won the design award in the math division at the tournament. There were 10 divisions in the tournament, each with about 80 teams. George Drinks Water finished 45th overall in the math division.

“They have worked so hard all season, and for them to win an award on the world stage shows their dedication paid off,” said Zak Klemm, coach of robotics teams in Marshall County Schools. “They are truly special kids. To win design at states is special. To earn it at worlds is even more amazing.

“To my knowledge, this is the most prestigious award any team from West Virginia has ever won on the world stage. Being the one to announce their award as the division emcee was even more special. I had to fight back tears as I announced them. They deserve so much more praise than I can give.”

Members of the George Drinks Water team are Knox Wilson, Sophie Cunningham, Lilly Bergan and Narada Braun.

Teams from Wheeling Park High School achieved higher rankings in their respective categories.

“This is the first time all of the teams we have brought have finished with winning records and in the top third of their divisions. We are very proud of that work,” said JoJo Shay, innovation coordinator for Ohio County Schools.

Iron Patriots X-Ray finished 24th in the spirit division with Alex Zhao, Chris Alkouri, Ryan Monroe, Owen King and Mason Shores.

K-otic finished 25th in the research division. Members are Max O’Connell, Abby Benda, Emerson Kosol, Sam Lewis, Skariot Connor and Chris Zelek.

Iron Patriots Yikes finished 34th in the innovate division. Those on the team were Josh Hess, James Maclay, Levi Henry, Mya White, Liam Donaghy and Rex Montanye.

It was also announced Friday evening that the “Gateway to the West” signature VEX Robotics tournament will return to Ohio County at The Highlands Sports Complex for a fourth year in 2027.

Middle school competition at the VEX Robotics World Championships begins Saturday and continues through Monday.