Gaelhawks Go Global
Written by Elissa Voccola on September 10, 2004
On September 11, 2004, the parking lot of the Shelton Pitney Bowes facility was transformed into a multicultural market. On the left, Mexican food and a giant Humvee could be found, and on the right, there was rock climbing and origami. In the middle of it all was Team 230, the Gaelhawks, bringing a little bit of technology into the worldly mix.
This was the 2004 Pitney Bowes Diversity Fair, an event centered around cultural awareness and family fun. With the theme "Our community...our world", Stamford Museum and Nature Center, Shelton Police, National Guard, United Way, several Pitney Bowes councils, and local literacy groups joined the Shelton High School Robotics Team as some of the community exhibitors. The schedule of events was full, with the Opening Ceremonies including a 9/11 Remembrance with participation from Shelton Police, Fire Department, EMS and National Guard. The National Anthem was sung by the Fairfield Children's Choir, and an official Festival Opening was done by the Special Olympics Connecticut Team.
The buffet included food from Mexico, Japan, and Italy. To complete the cultural image, the Taikoza Japanese Drum and Dance Ensemble performed, quickly becoming one of the crowd?s favorites throughout the day. It was, without a doubt, a family event, with plenty of activities for the kids. Face painting, rock climbing, origami, and booths with games and prizes were just a few of the choices offered to those attending. The team did their part by demonstrating two past robots, giving any interested child the chance to try their hand at driving and operating the robots themselves.
The most prominent part of the day for the Gaelhawks was certainly the presentation of the Engineering Inspiration Award to Pitney Bowes. The award will now be displayed within their facility, a symbol of the success of the team and their appreciation of Pitney Bowes for their continued support. Without their assistance, the team would certainly not be able to accomplish as much as it does. The Gaelhawks cannot wait until next year, when they attend their third Diversity Fair. Until then: au revoir, adios, aloha, auf wiedersehen, and good-bye!
