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04/27/2022 08:13 AMThough the robotics teams from Polson Middle School has only been competing for a few short years, it’s already making a name for itself. One of its teams competing this year, Squad 1695-E, has won a spot and is headed to Texas in early May to vie for the Vex World Championships in Team robotics.
The Polson Robotics Team has several different squads led by Team Advisor Dan Grenier, who is also the career and technical program advisor at Daniel Hand High School. According to Grenier, all of the team’s four-person squads qualified for the State Robotics Championship competition in Plainville in March.
At that competition, the 1695-E squad composed of four 8th-grade students—Josh Lee, Jack Varone, Brennen Catino, and Emma Mannix—received the Think Award, which entitled them to compete in the Vex Robotics World Championships in Dallas, Texas, this May. No other Madison team has ever made it to the World Championships, said Grenier.
According to Grenier, the invite is a very special and prestigious one for the students.
“It’s a big deal. There are 800 hundred teams that go to this event from around the world. So, you have your local matches and depending on how you qualify then you go to your regional or state competition,” Grenier said. “And depending on well you do there, you can then qualify for the worlds.
“The students are beyond excited, maybe a bit overwhelmed too, I think,” he continued. “It is such a great experience for them. In robotics, it is competitive, but there is a whole spirit of helping each other. At any event if something ever goes wrong, or your robot falls apart, there is another team ready to step in and help you out. So, it is that kind of atmosphere, teamwork, and that cooperation, is really what robotics is all about.”
According to Grenier, the competition is important but the educational and life skills development of the students is the most critical aspect of this challenge.
“Part of what we are doing is trying to create opportunities for students to explore the fields of engineering and technology. Not every student is an athlete and will play sports. So, this is a great opportunity to get that type of experience and still build skills and knowledge that could benefit them in a career after high school,” Grenier said.
The name of Squad 1695-E’s robot is VEXimithiosoarus IQuithis, and the students are extremely excited about the big competition, according to Polson Principal Kathryn Hart.
“I think it is important to have choices for kids, so that they can get involved in a variety of activities,” said Hart. “The kids have gained a lot from it. It’s about working together, by learning about the technology behind things. And they are really looking forward to going to the championships. That is a really big deal for kids in middle school. It’s huge. They are really excited and are also learning about fundraising as well. Bake sales, candy sales, they have been really working on that aspect as well, to help pay for the trip. They have all worked really hard and really well together to bring this all to fruition.”
The Think Award, which was the honor that got the team invited, is a judged award and goes to the team that best displays the removal of engineering obstacles through creative thinking. It is given to the team that best reflects the journey the team took as it experienced the engineering design process during the robotic build season, according to Carolyn Varone, parent to team member Jack Varone.
Team member Mannix said the robotics team experience has been rewarding for all of the students who participate.
“The Robotics Club is a ton of fun. Even if you don’t have a ton background of background knowledge, it’s very inclusive and everyone is really nice,” said Mannix. “The Robotics Club helps grow independent thinking and prepares you for a future because we don’t get help from Mr. Grenier—we have to figure it out ourselves. Everything we’ve done we’ve done without help, and that really helps prepare us for the future.”
According to Mannix, the experience prepares students like her for future math and science courses via a nontraditional and fun process. Mannix said the team is excited and is looking forward to the challenge, but the camaraderie and spirit of cooperation are what make the events special for her and her team mates
“We are all very excited, yeah. We’ll try and win, but that’s not everything,” Mannix said. “The other teams have helped us, and we’ve helped other teams. So, it is very much about teamwork and everyone helping each other. It’s a great community.”
The team is seeking donations to help defray the costs associated with their travel to Texas for the competition. The group has held several fundraisers, but is seeking support from the public in these efforts. Anyone wishing to donate can call Polson Middle School at 203-245-6480 and arrange to submit a donation. There will also be a fundraiser at Amato’s Pizza on Wednesday, May 4 as well.