For Immediate Release: 4/12/2012 11:25 am
Worcester, MA (April 12, 2012) - Next week, while most students are on April vacation, eight students from Worcester Technical High School’s Robotics and Automation Technology Program will travel to Anaheim, California, to compete in the 2012 Vex World Robotics Competition.
Three teams of Technical High School students worked with VEX equipment to develop and engineer a solution to a design challenge. This year’s theme was called “Gateway.” The students demonstrated their design solution earlier today for local city and school officials.
The students competed regionally at Quinsigamond Community College, in Worcester; as well as in Manchester, New Hampshire; and Manchester, Connecticut. The students, who are enrolled in the school’s extracurricular Robotics and Automation Technology Program, were eligible to compete at the world competition.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our students,” said Sheila Harrity, Principal, Worcester Technical High School. “It offers our students an exciting platform for learning about areas rich with career opportunities spanning science, technology, engineering and math.”
Members of the Robotics and Automation Technology Program had competed in the national robotics competition for about four years with much success, but the cost to participate made it difficult for students to attend. This year, with support from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and CSX Corporation, the students will be able to travel to California to compete.
“This is the experience of a lifetime for these students,” said City Manager Michael V. O’Brien. “Our students will represent our great City well in this international competition. I am very proud of them and I am extremely thankful to Worcester Polytechnic Institute and CSX Corporation for their support of this unique opportunity.”
Beyond science and engineering principles, a Vex Robotics project encourages teamwork, leadership and problem-solving among groups. It also allows educators to easily customize projects to meet the level of students’ abilities. The affordable Vex platform is expanding rapidly and is now available in middle schools, high schools and university labs around the globe. Robotics hobbyists also appreciate the advanced capabilities of the Vex system.
“WPI is extremely proud of these Worcester Tech students for successfully advancing to this high level robotics competition, and we are pleased to be able to support their trip to California,” said WPI President and CEO Dennis Berkey. “For nearly 20 years now, WPI has been engaging K-12 students in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines through pipeline robotics programs so we understand and appreciate the power of these programs. We wish these students the best of luck next week and always.”
“CSX is pleased to support the students as they travel for the first time to the competition in California,” said Maurice O’Connell, Resident Vice President of State Relations for CSX. “We are proud of them and encourage the teamwork and leadership skills they are learning through this process. We look forward to hearing the results.”
Betty Lauer, a computer professor at Quinsigamond Community College, first introduced the Vex Robotics program to Worcester’s middle and high schools. Ms. Lauer was able to secure a grant and has now introduced the system to elementary schools. She continues to this day to be a champion of Vex Robotics education in the school system.
“Without Betty’s devotion and hard work year in and year out, the program would not be the success that it is and our students would not have the opportunity they currently enjoy,” added Principal Harrity.
Additionally, Metso Automation is an active member of the Worcester Technical High School program advisory committee for the Robotics and Automation Technology Department and has annually supported the Vex Robotics teams.
“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication that the eight students from Worcester Technical High have shown. Their advanced knowledge in the field of robotics and automation technology is a compliment to the education they are receiving in the Worcester Public Schools,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “I am very proud to say that two teams of 2 and one team of 4 will be heading to Anaheim, CA to compete in the world robotics competition. Students at the Technical High School operate at a very high skill level, which is furthered by the support from Quinsigamond Community College and Metso Automation.
“Our community has stepped up once again and because of the tremendous financial support of WPI and CSX Corporation our students will be able to showcase all of their hard work in California,” added Mayor Petty.
