On Saturday, February 11, after working independently together since September toward building and programming a working robot, the U-32 Robotics Team, Robo Raiders #4946, competed in the all-day Vermont Regional FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) robotics competition, organized by UVM and held this year up at Essex High School. Paired up in alliance with a different team each bout, the Robo Raiders competed in five matches opposite two other alliance teams. They demonstrated cooperation, innovation, problem-solving, a sense of humor, grace under pressure, and “gracious professionalism,” a key tenet of the FIRST Robotics program. Special guest Governor Phil Scott spoke during the Opening Ceremony. In his remarks he mentioned that he once student-taught at U-32, and afterward he made his way over to “the pit” to meet the U-32 team and check out their robot. The Robo Raiders placed 13th out of 32 teams participating from across New England.
