Robotics has captured the attention of students and ignited a quest for knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

 

March 13, 2013

 

Fans of VEX Robotics filled the bleachers, cheering on their favorite team as they battled to win a slot to the VEX World Tournament in April. Held at Forest Park High School, Roboticon drew 64 teams representing each of the middle schools in PWCS as well as teams from the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, private schools, and home-schooled students. Robotics has young people excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and local businesses have stepped up support of the program—recognizing that these students will comprise their future workforce.

 

“Working as a team, building, programming, writing, and rebuilding will propel our students into global competitiveness,” said Denyse Carroll, regional STEM education coordinator.

 

After Roboticon’s 80 qualification matches were complete, the results were compiled. Four teams received the top awards and news that they qualified to move on to the VEX World Tournament. They are Rippon Middle School with the Excellence Award, Bull Run Middle School with the Design Award; and tournament champions Bull Run and Stonewall Middle Schools.

These teams now have just a few short weeks to prepare for stiff competition they will face at the World Tournament in Anaheim, California.

 

Students build robots to take on a preset challenge and work together to score the most points possible. With guidance from the coaches and mentors, students are having a good time while acquiring problem solving and teamwork skills.

 

“PWCS is home to the largest and fastest growing middle- and high-school robotics program globally,” shared Carroll.

 

Other awards went to Tournament Finalists Rippon Middle School and Marsteller Middle School,   Robot and Driver Skills Champions Manassas Christian School, and Judges Award winners Manassas Park Middle School.

 

It takes many mentors, volunteers, and supporters to keep the robotics programs in the School Division thriving. The often-unsung heroes received special recognition at the Roboticon event.

 

Dave Button of Osbourn Park High School received the Teacher of the Year award and Cameron Ghassemi, also of Osbourn Park High School, was named Student Mentor of the Year. Lockheed Martin and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association–Quantico/Potomac Chapter were celebrated as Partners of the Year as they graciously donate funds, and provide mentors and volunteers to the VEX robotics program. SySTEMic Solutions/Northern Virginia Community College was recognized with the Support Partner award for supporting coaches with new software and for their educational support of students during summer camps.

SySTEMic Solutions/Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) donated $75,700 to SPARK, the PWCS Education Foundation, to support robotics. Dr. Roger Ramsammy, Provost of the NVCC Manassas Campus, and Amy Harris, Director, and Josh Labrie from SySTEMic Solutions presented the donation to Prince William County School Board Vice Chairman Michael I. Otaigbe (Coles), School Board member Lillie G. Jessie (Occoquan), and Sharon Henry, Executive Director of SPARK.

Vice Chairman Otaigbe, on behalf of the School Board and School Division Leadership Team, extended thanks to businesses, volunteers, and parents whose efforts make robotics competitions, camps, and clubs possible in Prince William County.

"Prince William County Public Schools has become a great model for other school divisions in Virginia," Otaigbe said. "We are serious about robotics because we know how important it is."

Robotics helps students develop critical thinking skills and teaches them how to work in teams and follow instructions, said Otaigbe.

"Use your spare time to develop yourselves," he told students. "You are paying your dues so you can stand tall when you meet your competitors."

For more information about any of the seven types of robotics programs, please contact Denyse Carroll  at carroldm@pwcs.edu.

See photo gallery of Roboticon 2013 by Forest Park High School student Carrie Curry.