Chippewa students triumph at National Robotics Challenge
Nineteen students from Chippewa Jr/Sr High School showcased their engineering prowess at the National Robotics Challenge (NRC) in Marion, securing six awards across five of the 13 challenges.
The competition drew more than 1,300 participants from 14 states.
Chippewa’s team, with 14 innovative robots, delivered a standout performance, notably sweeping the Box Bot event. A particular highlight was Daniel Wilson’s Micromouse robot, which was the only entry to autonomously navigate and solve a 100-square maze − a feat unmatched by any other high school or college team.
“Seeing our students excel in such a challenging environment is incredibly rewarding,” said Ken Gasser, mathematics department chair and robotics team coach. “Their technical skills, dedication and passion for robotics shone through, especially with Daniel Wilson’s Micromouse robot, which exemplifies the innovative spirit we nurture at Chippewa. It’s a proud moment for all of us.”
Superintendent Todd Osborn also shared his pride: “Our students represented Chippewa with distinction, demonstrating the critical thinking and problem-solving skills we strive to cultivate,” Superintendent Todd Osborn said. “Their success at a national level is a testament to their hard work and our community’s support for STEM education.”
Chippewa’s robotics program will be featured at the Wayne County Maker Extravaganza on July 27 at the Event Center at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Students will display robots constructed from 1959 Erector sets, enhanced with modern robotics technology to perform autonomously in a specially designed challenge.
The event will highlight local innovation and creativity, supported by collaboration between Chippewa educators and regional experts.
