For some people, Minecraft might just seem like a video game.
But for HS223 students Emily Ruiz Moran, Angel Vasquez, Yazlin Delgado, Roberto Garcia, Michael Kiwanuka with the help of Ms. Sammi, it has become a way for them to explore big ideas and build community.
Oh yeah and become champions of the Bronx
After passing two tough rounds, the HS223 Minecraft Club was crowned Bronx Champions.
The team will now head to the Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs City Finals on May 31, where they’ll represent our school and the Bronx against the rest of the City.
“This year, I feel like we’re more prepared for the finals,” said Emily Ruiz Moran. “Everyone has been contributing, and I’m proud of our growth.”
She also thinks the school should show support. “It would be great if we got something like Minecraft-themed school sweaters,” she said, explaining that both the high school and middle school teams worked really hard to make it this far.
The competition, run by the NYC Department of Education, challenges students to use Minecraft to create solutions for real-life problems. This year’s theme is all about “sustainability” making New York a better place by improving food equity, adding green space, and creating opportunity for all.
In round one, the team had to a video showing off a Minecraft build based on this prompt. In round two, they had just 30 minutes to brainstorm and 40 minutes to build and present their solution live. After beating out other schools in the Bronx, they earned a spot in the finals.
The team has been preparing by doing team-building activities, practicing their builds, and working on how to present their ideas in a way that hits all the points on the rubric.
“It’s freedom to build and explore whatever you want,” said Michael Kiwanuka (Class of 2027). “I like creating stuff and being able to control what I do.”
They’ll be judged not only on what they build, but also how clearly they explain their ideas, on their teamwork and how well their solutions connect to real-life issues.
Yazlin Delgado (Class of 2026) put it succinctly:. “I feel confident because my team has worked really hard.”
No matter what happens on May 31, they’ve already built something big.
