Imagine a place where science and technology has the same amount of competition as a varsity sport.
That is the atmosphere of the FIRST Robotics program that inspires young people to consider careers in science, engineering and technology.
Students at George Washington High School in Danville participated in the Washington D.C. regional competition over the weekend with their team robot, “Pinky.”
“Team Talon,” as the GWHS group is known, came home with five wins during the competition. Overall they came in 29th place out of 63 made up of other high schools across the nation.
Each team was given a kit of assorted items six weeks prior to the competitions and the only instructions were to make a robot. It is up to the students and their designated mentor to design and create a robot. Team Talon created “Pinky” with the help of GWHS instructor Dan Waters. They were also sponsored by businesses in the community.
The competition is one of more than 50 across the country and the winners of each are allowed to compete in an international championship in April.
“Each team is more than just building a robot and it is more than just the students who put it together,” said James Babb, the communications representative for Virginia FIRST Robotics.
“The real challenge is the teamwork and working on deadlines and raising money,” he said. “It is designed to get young people interested in new technologically driven careers. We are struggling to catch up to the rest of the world in science and engineering. It is fair to say these students are a big part of our future.”
The GWHS team will next be headed to Richmond on April 8-9 for the Virginia regional tournament.
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