What kind of student joins the Robotics Team? Reading over the essays that students seeking to join the team must submit, advisor John Niski marveled at the array of talent offered by the newly elected members of the Robotics Team.  “Building the robot is just part of the job.  We need kids with talent in all areas to support the effort.  Skills with computers, film and videography, artwork and animation are just some examples.”

The team is comprised of forty plus students, led by teachers and local engineers, with assistance from parents. Although the robot is built in a short space of time, the team works weekly on other aspects of the competition including uniforms and spirit buttons, an animated film production, and a team video record. Weekly seminars are held to acquaint students with aspects of the robot, such as pneumatics, drive systems, and programming.  Students make a time commitment to the team and that level of commitment determines which students will make the journey to Nationals at Epcot.

This year students who participated were recognized as “lettering” on the team.  Newly elected team captains included John Dibiasi, Anne Szeker and Jen Vogl.  Team captains hope to foster improved communications and better organization for this year’s team.

“I am very excited to be a team captain because I can teach all the new members all the aspects of the Robotics team, said Jen Vogl, a three-year team member.

Gaelhawk Gazette Staff