The North Central Christian School "Lion" LEGO Team shows off the Judges Award at the National LEGO League Tournament at Houston. Team members include (front, from left) Amanda, Justin, David and Kevin and (back, from left) Galen, Jasmin, Scott, Ben and Coach Joy Nelson.

The LEGO League team from North Central Christian School won the Judges Award at the recent National Tournament in Houston.

The Judges Award is an award given to recognize special achievements and merit not defined by any other award. It is given at the judges' discretion.

"The competition was tough," said team member Galen. "But everybody was really nice -- we talked a lot about our robots."

The trip to Houston was a learning experience for the team, underscored by a rule change that allowed builders to add extra parts to their robots.

Arkansas LEGO League rules prohibit teams from using anything but parts that came with their kits. Other teams did not face that restriction.

"They used all sorts of other LEGO parts," said team member Scott, "stuff that we have at home in our LEGO kits."

School Principal Judi Meador claims the team didn't change its robot for fear of being disqualified under Arkansas rules.

"They really didn't have time to change anything, anyway," she said.

Meador calls Coach Joy Nelson the rock of the team. "She poured her life into this -- without her dedication and support, we wouldn't have gotten here."

Twenty-three people, representing the families of all eight team members, went to Houston.

"It was really wonderful," Meador said. "It was such a group effort."

This was North Central's fifth competition in four years. They raised the needed $5,200 by going out into the community to ask for donations.

"They made presentations to local businesses and to the churches each child represents," said Meador. "This really was a community effort to get our kids to Houston."

Team members include Galen, Amanda, Justin, David, Kevin, Jasmin, Scott and Ben.

"We are just like brothers and sisters now," said Scott.

In addition to making presentations to the judges and running "George," the robot, the team took time to visit the Mountain Home Bomb Squad at its competition.

"We really have to thank the Bomb Squad -- they were so supportive," said Meador. "They came over to see us whenever they weren't competing. They cheered so loud for them."

The team received letters of support from Rep. Johnny Key and Mountain Home Mayor Ed House.