Robotics interest meeting generates information and excitement

On Tuesday, September 9, a meeting was held for individuals interested in the robotics team.  General information was shared and new members signed up for this year’s team.  This team is a unique part of the school that takes on many tasks, including building their own robot and competing with it, and exhibits creativity through their activities and competitions.

Mrs. Worrel, who is the head of the science department at our school and robotics led the meeting, inviting the newcomers into the group with open arms.  There are many new participants this year that signed up at the meeting.  Mrs. Worrel also talked about the activities the robotics team participates in, the tasks the team undertakes, and how this is a learning experience for everyone.

The robotics team is a part of FIRST which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.  The main goal of the team and FIRST is basically to mesh the professional world and the student environment in robotics by thinking critically to solve problems and by building amazing robots.  A challenge is given to the team each year and their job is to build a robot that can meet that challenge.

The team competes in many competitions and throughout the years has become very highly regarded.  The team competes in a regional competition at Stennis, a state competition at Ole Miss, and a competition at the Bayou Regional in New Orleans.  This unique team also hosts different events for the elementary schools in the area and has an outreach program in which they teach elementary school kids about emergency evacuations.

Perhaps one of the best things about the team is the diverse group of kids who participate.  Mrs. Worrel comments, “I like to watch completely different students come to the same level and speak the same language.  Students come together from all interests and find a place on our team.  I have watched students expand their knowledge while having fun, working together, meeting students they may never spend time with otherwise, and then gaining the rewards that follow them through this experience.”

Since the team was formed in 2005, this group has contracted a very good reputation through many things including the amazing students in the program.  Many of the students that are members of the robotics team continue their education in a STEM field, and the team has produced many engineers, architects, and scientists.

For students who would like to join the team, the mentors of teachers, professionals, and other students will teach you whatever you would like to know.  This is a group effort, and everyone can find a place on the team where they can become better, grow, and learn.

Story by: Skye Ward