Team Tempest mentors Nativity BVM Lego League students

This Thursday, fifth and sixth graders from schools around the Diocese of Biloxi were invited to St. Patrick for a special St. Patrick’s day celebration, including a spirit tunnel, music from the Pride of St. Patrick Jazz Band, mass led by Fr. Dominique, and a luncheon in the courtyards. However, one of the unique parts of the day was a presentation led by Team Tempest in which the elementary students learned more about high school robotics.

After mass, Mrs. Debbie Worrel and Mr. Roy Cloud, along with Tempest members Matthew Ladner, Tyler Fulmer, and Anna Broadus, discussed the various parts of Team Tempest. These included FLL (FIRST Lego League), FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge), and FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition). Both the FTC and FRC robots were displayed for the students. The students were encouraged to ask questions and learn more about the team.

According to the FIRST website, the mission of the organization is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. Coopertition involves learning from teammates. It is teaching teammates. It is learning from Mentors. And it is managing and being managed. Coopertition means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can.

“I really enjoyed the day,” said Tempest co-President Anna Broadus. “I feel that the kids got an awesome look at what makes our team so special. I am excited that they were excited! That gives me a lot of hope about the future of our program and STEM appreciation in general.” Team Tempest would like to thank Mrs. Worrel and Mr. Roy for encouraging them to present during the day and all of the students for their enthusiasm.

To learn more about Team Tempest, visit their website here.

Story by Richard Springer