Lustre News

Dense fog covered our region until Wednesday with rain last Sunday and 26 degree temps making ice on the gravel. Warmer temperatures and clearing skies came Wednesday and Thursday. Many prayers went up for those travelling to Billings with students competing in the FIRST Lego League Qualifying Tournament on Jan. 20.

Students of the Lustre Lego Lions League are Liam Reyneke, Joseph Olfert, Coleman Hilkemann, Gunner Damboise, Justin Schiller, Jake Neufeld, Drew Reddig, Curt Teichroew, Nancy Schiller, under teacher, Ligia Earley.

The after-school club is open to fourth to eighth graders. This year's theme was "Masterpiece" and they were challenged to create an innovation of what art would be in the future, using robots to demonstrate the idea with a clear presentation to judges.

The Lustre Lego Lions won the right to compete at the State Tournament in Bozeman on Feb 3, Drew said, with their robot canvas paintbrush programmed to transfer and spread art from museums to a broader, hopefully worldwide audience. Nancy explained that in the future an artist could stay in one location and use technology to paint in other locations, making their art masterpieces more accessible.

When asked why they chose to be in Lego League, Coleman said he joined because it was fun. Drew said he joined the club "to learn how to program robots and do engineering" and ended up "learning teamwork" in the tournament. Curt joined because he could be with friends and do things together.

When asked what challenged them at the tournament, Justin said "a challenging undertaking was learning to work well as a team." Drew applied a quote from an NBA basketball player, Stephan Curry, that he'd taught the others, "Success is born out of faith, undying passion and relentless drive." They needed all three to get to round three. Liam and Joseph talked of the teamwork needed to present skits to communicate their innovation. The team was awarded "The Rising Star" award at the end of round two, and the Core Values Award for their consideration and kindness to other teams and to each other after round three.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 "to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology." According to their website, the non-profit organization "designs innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills." Qualifying Tournaments, sponsored by Montana State University were held in Billings, Helena and Missoula. Valley Bank was one of the sponsors. Thank you!

Looking ahead, next Wednesday is Derby night at Awana. It's fabulous! Tuesday, Feb. 6 selected Junior High Students will travel to Savage for Math Counts competitions. Wednesday Feb. 7 is the LGS spelling bee for grades four through eight.

Jesse Darin Brown was born Wednesday morning, Jan. 24, to Michael and Kaitlyn Brown, of Lustre. Grandparents are (the late) Darin and Sarah Brown and Kelly and Michelle Toavs. Great-grandparents are Dennis and Evonne Brown and (the late) Willard and (the late) Midge Toavs. Welcome! And Congratulations!

Kim Klatt and Debbie Lenihan have decorated the classrooms and doors to cheer the students in the cold winter. With a princess, and foods (berry, bacon, pizza, cookies, fries and chocolates), they have brought an early valentine's theme to the school with their masterpieces.