Masuk High School's Robotics team recently qualified to compete in two upcoming New England VEX championship events. This brings the school's 75 members closer to attending the VEX World Championships in California this spring.
Bill McDonough, head of Masuk's computer science department and adviser for the Robotics Team, said three of Monroe's five teams placed in the competition's top 12 teams. The team called “So Vexy It Hurts” won the competition's design award.
The remaining two teams from Masuk scored in 17th or better than 32 participating teams at the qualifying event held at South Windsor High School.
“It was a great day and every team showed tremendous growth and competed with great confidence and enthusiasm,” said McDonough. “We had great participation with 45 students and about 10 parents in attendance and wearing our new team shirts. I appreciate all of the support we've received from Masuk families and the community.”
This is the second full season of Masuk's Robotics team. Last year's team “So Vexy It Hurts” made it into the final round at the New England Regional Championship competition.
On Saturday, Dec. 1 Masuk's Robotics team will host its first home tournament in Monroe. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., the public is invited to observe the VEX Robotics competition. Snacks and light lunch will be available for purchase. All proceeds will be used for entry fees to regional events--$150 per team-- and to replace malfunctioning robot parts.
Sponsors are needed, and all donations are welcome.
“I'm proud of how well our students performed at their first event,” McDonough said. “They each learned things about their team's robot and returned to school ready to fix any glitches. Newer members of the robotics team got a taste of what VEX competitions are like and they can now prepare for our home meet on December 1st.”
Masuk students are invited to join the team at any time during the year.
“Our team doubled in size from last year, “McDonough continued. “This is great, of course, however we are looking to continuously grow the program. We welcome anyone with an interest in robotics and programming to join us.”
The Masuk High School Robotics team meets on Monday nights and Tuesday and Thursdays afternoons.
The team will participate in 2013 at the New England VRC Championship in Worcester, Mass on January 12 and the CTEA Southern New England Regional at Central Connecticut State University on February 17.
For more information on the New England Regional Championship Events, please reference www.robotevents.com.
