GD Robotics Team 2015 Season Wrap-Up
Groton Dunstable High School Robotics team, known as "The Robotomies", has completed the FIRST Robotics "Recycle Rush" competitions for 2015. First competition was held at Nashua High School South Feb. 27 and 28; and the second at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI March 21 and 22.
The team (Team 1277) showed a great deal of improvement over last year as well as improvement between the two competitions, doubling their average score. This year the team did not have as many technical issues with their robot as last year but instead learned that they also need to focus on the strategy part of the game as well as technical challenges.
Robotomies lost 14 members last year due to graduating seniors. This year has been a growing and learning year for the team. Currently, there is one senior, four juniors, 10 sophomores and eight freshmen. Freshmen who joined the team this year started learning the ropes, which will lead to a stronger team in the next few years. The team is given a challenge each January (the same challenge given to 3000 high schools internationally who participate in the FIRST Robotics tournaments) and then they have six weeks to design, build, program and test their robot. This provides students with unprecedented real-world experience and this experience is rewarded by sponsors and universities; each year FIRST Robotics provides $20 million in scholarships to its participants. Competitions are held in a packed-full gymnasium with about 40 high schools competing in each of nine New England events.
The Robotics team depends on team mentors who are volunteers from the community and Mark Rocheleau, Engineering and Technology teacher. The team is always looking for more mentors who have experience in machining, engineering, programming, marketing or project management.
All funding for the Robotics team is privately raised as no money from the school budget is allocated for this team. The Robotomies would like to thank current sponsors who provide funding for entrance fees for the FIRST competitions and for materials. Thank you to: Justin J. Maynard Memorial STEM Innovation Scholarship; The National Defense Education Program; The Society for American Military Engineers; Raytheon; Ted and Connie Lapres Fund; Mercury Systems; and Timothy and Cheryl Battles. Additional sponsorships are always welcomed and appreciated.
If you have questions or would like to help support the Robotics team, contact the high school which can put you in touch with current mentors or students. Mr. Rocheleau may be reached at mrocheleau@gdrsd.org.
