A team of fifth-graders from Ballentine Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina won the Teamwork Award at the FIRST Lego League State Championship in January.

The Burning Bricks team included Lydia Ward, Rachel Williams, Tyler Gilbert, Luke Simone, Emily Wade and Lindsey Ware. The team won awards for “Best Research” and “Gracious Professionalism” in earlier competitions.

In FIRST Lego League, students ages 9 to 14 participate in hands-on robotics competitions that emphasize team building, problem-solving, creativity and analytical thinking to develop solutions to a problem currently facing the world. The theme of this year’s competition was “Senior Solutions,” with a focus on helping senior citizens remain active members of their communities.