Robotics team excells at Worlds
The Scott County Robotics team, Poultronix 9717 traveled to Houston, TX last week with their sights set on a top award and returned home with one in hand.
Poultronix, in their first year of competition, had previously won the Rookie All Star award at the Magnolia Regional, followed by the Rookie Inspiration Award at the Bayou Regional. A wild card invitation took them to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston where the team was named FIRST World Championships Rookie All Star – Archimedes Division. FIRST is an acronym for For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology.
“As rookies, we faced numerous challenges but embraced every moment with determination and enthusiasm,” the team posted to social media. “Winning the Rookie All Star Award at Worlds is not just a win for us — it’s a testament to our community, mentors, and sponsors who believed in our potential.
“This award recognizes not only our robot’s performance but also our commitment to spreading STEM in our community, our team’s organization, and the spirit of FIRST. It’s a surreal feeling to stand out among so many amazing teams from around the globe!”
According to the FIRST Robotics Competition website, “the Rookie All-Star Award celebrates the rookie team exemplifying a young but strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the mission of FIRST to inspire students to learn more about science and technology.”
In recognizing Poultronix, the organizers wrote, “This team’s innovative STEAM initiatives, legislative collaboration and incredible branding make them the deserving winner. Like a recently hatched egg, they are just beginning to crack the surface of their potential. With their determination and spirit, they are not just chicks, but full-fledged chickens ready to soar to new heights! Congratulations Team 9717!”
Poultronix team members are Nic Boswell, Hunter Cannette, Caleb Williams, Ava Champion, Joseph Graves, Samuel Bradshaw, Kamoris Reed, Jase Earls, McKenzie Wilbanks, Dewayne Cox, Caden Martin, Tenea Smith, TJ Hanna, Ethan Gomillino, and Jackie Myers. The team Lead Mentor is Alissa Gibbs.
The team is sponsored by Forest-Scott County Career & Technology Center, Raytheon/NASA, Mississippi Power, Community Bank, Forest Country Club, 21 Machine and Fab, Southern Graphics, Shaw’s North-Side General Store, Ace Hardware, family and the community.
