Some kids go out for soccer or play trumpet in the band,but others use their after school time to pursue a more unique extracurricular by joining a First LEGO League team.

First LEGO League is a robotics-oriented is a robotics program for students aged nine to 14, designed to get them excited about science and technology, while simultaneously teaching them valuable employment and life skills.

The LEGO Elites team is comprised of 10 students - including a few from military families - from fourth to seventh grade, who attend Shining Mountain Elementary, Bethel online academy and Naches Trail Elementary in the Bethel School District. Since September they have been working on a series of projects, including a scientific research component regarding the prevention of food contamination.

Their research project, entitled Phage Force^TM, is intended to prevent food-borne illnesses like Listeria, E.coli, and Salmonella by using a liquid suspension of naturally occurring bacteriophages, which are more effective and safer than other chemical disinfectants as they do not eliminate essential flora and microbes. The product would be available in both a spray and wet wipes.

"This is just above and beyond what any other kids their age are doing," said team coach and 16-year teaching veteran Allison Horak. "It is inspirational for me to be around this and see the positive impact it has on these kids." 

The team has already received top honors at both the regional and state levels, for not only their research, but also for their ability to work well together. Now their Phage Force project is entered for a chance to win a $250,000 grant and a shot at having their product patented.

"These kids are incredibly smart and I believe that they will change the world at some point in their lives, if not now," said Julia Scott, PTA president for Shining Mountain. "We all need to show the world how awesome our kids are!"

"This a train is on a track of their own making," Horak said. "It is amazing for me to stand back and what how far it goes.

To vote for the LEGO Elites' project, visit fllinnovationaward.firstlegoleague.org/phage-force. You can vote once every 24 hours, per IP address. As of press time, the Phage Force^TM project was in 23^rd place, out of 181 teams. Voting will end on March 1 and then the top 10 vote getters will move forward in the competition