Randolph Heights Robotics Club Earns Young Watershed Steward Award

Congratulations to the Randolph Heights Elementary School Robotics Club, which earned the prestigious Young Watershed Steward Award from the Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD).

Watershed Steward Awards is an annual event that honors individuals and organizations that exemplify watershed stewardship through activities or projects demonstrating a commitment to help protect, manage, and improve our lakes and the Mississippi River. The Young Watershed Steward Award is given to a young person or group of young people who have undertaken projects that exemplify a commitment to CRWD’s mission.

The Randolph Heights Elementary School Robotics Club is an after-school activity led by science teacher Ann Pelltier. In early 2025, the club invited CRWD to present at their school and sent a list of thoughtful interview questions for CRWD staff, including “What is the biggest problem in our watershed?” “How can we promote your cause?” Following the presentation, the students did more research about the issues in our watershed and created the Drain Serpents project to promote the Adopt-a-Drain program. The Adopt-a-Drain program invites residents to adopt drains near their homes or schools, and to keep them clear of debris to help make our lakes and rivers clean.

The Randolph Heights Robotics Club Drain Serpents project placed fifh out of 52 teams at the 2025 Regional LEGO League Tournament. They also received the Innovation Award for their work, “This team researched how local solutions can impact a global problem experienced far away. They had a plan that they implemented and have plans to spread their message to get more people engaged. Their ideas slithered through their school as adoption of storm drains took hold.”

(Photo Credit: Ackerman + Gruber)