The Cellar Dwellers, a FIRST Lego League (FLL) Division 1 team, placed first in the Virginia state championships held last weekend at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.

The Cellar Dwellers, whose name pays homage to their practice location in a basement, consist of Vienna residents Andrew Barrett, Jack Barrett, Nico Lagendyk, and Max Butler as well as Sara Leong from Herndon and Andy Schauer from Oakton. They are coached by John Barrett, Natalie Schauer, and Kim Schauer. 

The students attend Lake Anne Elementary, aside from Butler, who attends Vienna Elementary.

FLL is a world-wide robotics competition for elementary and middle school-age children. This year, 610 teams competed across the state, including more than 360 Division 1 teams.

The Cellar Dwellers were judged in four categories, how their robot performed, robot design, teamwork, and the thoroughness of their research project, which is focused on using technology to help seniors take their medications as prescribed.

The Cellar Dwellers qualified for the state tournament with a robot design victory at the George Mason University regional tournament held in November. At the state tournament, they received top scores in all four categories in order to earn the first place Champion’s Award.

The Cellar Dwellers are coached by LAES alum and current South Lakes High School sophomore Natalie Schauer, as well as current LAES parents John Barrett and Kim Schauer.