Two local rookie teams, Lee High School’s Rebel Robotics and Potter’s House Tactical Hams, have qualified for the Michigan State Championship for FIRST Robotics set for this weekend, running through Saturday.

In a recent letter to residents and friends of the Godfrey Lee Public Schools, Superintendent Kevin Polsten noted that the Rebel Robotics finished runner-up “in both invitationals they have participated in. It goes to show the success that can be had when we provide opportunities to our students.”

Being first year teams, both teams receive grants from the FIRST Robotics organization. Polsten said the district is looking to identify a financial and technical partner to support the efforts of the program. Anyone interested in donating to the Lee Robotics team is encouraged to visit the district website at Godfrey-Lee.org .

Currently, there is a fundraising effort for the Lee robotics team to help them go to state which is at Saginaw Valley State University. The estimated cost is more than $8,000 to send the team. For more information, contact the administration offices.

To watch the state competition live, which is tomorrow and Friday, go to http://www.firstinmichigan.org/stream.php. To check out the WKTV coverage of the March 30 and 31 district meet at East Kentwood High School, click here.

To learn more about FIRST Robotics, go to firstinspires.org.