Hemlock, MI- If you hear about a gymnasium packed full of screaming fans, you would probably picture a basketball or volleyball game; members of FIRST robotics teams would say otherwise. There are packed gymnasiums around the world to watch robots compete against each other in high paced games and challenges. Some high profile venues include: SVSU, TCF Center, and Ford Field.
Ana Rodriguez and Morgan Walle, students at Hemlock High School, were happy to talk about what FIRST means to them. Ana says, “FIRST robotics allows me to express my interests from a technological and educational standpoint. I love how it is a very inviting community that welcomes and includes people from every background. If it weren’t for FIRST, I would have never learned the new life skills and met the influential people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.” Morgan says, “I like FIRST robotics because of all of the great people you meet along the way, whether it be mentors or fellow students, everyone is always so kind and helpful.”
FIRST is the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM education. FIRST’s progression of programs run K-12 with a variety of options. In Hemlock, there is Lego League from grades 1-6, FIRST Tech Challenge for grades 7-8, and FIRST Robotics Competition for 9-12. Participants of FIRST robotics have access to over 80 million dollars of scholarship opportunities. Students learn real life skills from professionals including graphic design, coding, CAD, vision systems, control methods, fabrication, soft skills, and more.
Tom Lockwood, Lead Mentor for Hemlock’s Gray Matter says, “At Hemlock Public School District we are determined to provide students with true World Class opportunities. Our appearance at several state and world championships speaks to our success in recruiting highly effective mentors and dedicated students.”
For more information about this or other positive happenings at Hemlock Public School District please call (989) 642-5282.