SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The 2025-26 South Dakota FIRST LEGO League Challenge State Championship brought youth innovation to the forefront Jan. 24 at Memorial Middle School in Sioux Falls. Despite extreme temperatures and a delayed start, all 20 qualifying teams competed before a crowd of nearly 400 spectators.
The event, which serves as the culmination of the robotics season in South Dakota, was supported by the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC). Teams were evaluated on autonomous robot performance, research-based innovation projects, and the program’s core values.
Rapid City was represented in the top honors as Isaac Harr of Rapid City received the Coach/Mentor of the Year award. Harr was selected through nominations from students, parents, and judges for his commitment to mentorship and the values of the FIRST organization.
The H-BC Brick Wall 2.0 team from Hills-Beaver Creek, Minnesota, earned the top Champion’s Award for excellence across all categories. The Legendary Squirrells of Sioux Falls took home the 2nd Place Champion’s Award and the Robot Game Award for the highest match consistency.
Other honors included the Core Values Award given to Tra la lego, tra la la of Sioux Falls, and the Innovation Project Award presented to Pickle Dragons H-BC. The Robot Design Award went to Nacho Average Team of Flandreau, while the Tech Team of Aberdeen was named the Rookie Rising Star Team.
“This season demonstrated the incredible creativity and dedication of South Dakota’s youth,” said Billie Jo Bakeberg, BHSSC learning specialist. “We’re proud to support a program that empowers students to think critically, work collaboratively, and see themselves as problem-solvers.”
The results of the Sioux Falls competition determine several advancement opportunities. One team will represent South Dakota at the FIRST World Festival in Houston, scheduled for April 29-May 2, 2026. Other teams from the state will advance to invitational events in California, Massachusetts, and Georgia.
The 2025-26 season marked the first year BHSSC served as the Program Delivery Organization for the state. Those interested in supporting future robotics initiatives in the region can contact Bakeberg at 605-641-1222.
