Local robotics team advances to district competition, seeks funds
A local robotics team has advanced to the state competition, which will be held April 5-7 at Minges Coliseum at East Carolina University in Greenville.
The team is made up of students from Henderson County Public Schools and is called Team Gorillas. According to lead mentor Billy Freeman, the team has put in a lot of hours to get to this point in the season.
“Our shop has been open over 146 hours in the last 10 weeks for the build season, and we put in 60 hours during the last two event weekends. Our students and mentors hard work and collective dedication has led them to great success,” he said.
The team is among 40 teams competing, and the top 10 will earn a trip to the World Championships, which will be held later this year in Houston, Texas. The state championships will be live streamed at this link: https:\\m.twitch.tv/firstinspires16.
“With over seven mentors, each student has the opportunity to come in and really get hands-on experiences that help apply their education with a professional in that field,” he said.
The last time Team Gorillas, which began in 2003, advanced to the world championships was in 2015, Freeman said.
“Being a member of Team Gorillas has been an enriching experience, providing me with invaluablehands-on learning opportunities,” East Henderson High senior Adrian Gordon said. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with the team has been the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with others. Through the lessons learned and the knowledge gained, I’ve been able to inspire and mentor fellow students, fostering a community of learning and growth.”
The team is still seeking funds, and donations can be made by going to https://team1225.com/donate. Checks can be made out to Henderson County Robotics, Memo: Team 1225, and mailed to 32 Greenland Path, Mills River, N.C. 28759.
