Glenholme gears up for FIRST Robotics season

Glenholme's FIRST Robotics FTC (First Technical Challenge) Team is gearing up for its second season. Known as the GHS 1337 Squad, the team consists of 10 high school age students with interest in science, technology and engineering. FIRST is a nationally acclaimed organization that runs robotics challenges throughout the U.S., culminating in a national championship in Atlanta, Ga.

FIRST competitions are referred to as a "sport for the mind" combining the excitement of sports with the intellectual challenge of science and technology. The FTC competition level requires the Glenholme Robotics Team to utilize a variety of academic and social skills. The fabrication of the robot encompasses design, engineering and programming, while the presentation and public speaking portion tests their language arts abilities. The FTC "build season" has a tight timeline, requiring the team to develop efficiency and effectiveness. Lastly, the actual competitions instill a sense of teamwork and "gracious professionalism."

State competitions traditionally begin in February and culminate in April 2010 with the FIRST Technical Challenge World Championship under the Georgia Dome. Last year, Glenholme's rookie GHS 1337 Squad placed sixth at tournaments in Palmer, Mass. and West Hartford, Conn. and was distinguished with FIRST Tech Challenge Connect and Innovate Awards. The Glenholme School's community of faculty, staff, students, parents and contributors again gear up for the excitement of robotics and the many possibilities this program continues to generate for the school.