Building their own destiny

By Joel Howard

Working under the mantra of “gracious professionalism,” the Northwest Robotics Gearheads at Northwestern Regional High School are well on their way to creating a competitive robot. Originally championed by Superintendent Dr. Judith Palmer and Principal Kenneth Chichester, the group came into being last October.

Robotics teams at various schools throughout the country all work within rules and guidelines that are dictated by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization with a stated mission of inspiring “young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership.”

The Gearheads were given the specific guidelines for this year’s competition on January 7, and, like every participating robotics team, they have six weeks to complete their robot. This year’s nationally assigned project is ‘Rebound Rumble’, a basketball-themed competition that will find teams first competing in practice matches. From there, they move to qualification matches and, if successful, they move on to elimination matches. The matches begin on February 21.

One of the team’s mentors, Norfolk resident Michele Cyr, pointed out that the team and their final product are about much more than just the mechanics of constructing a winning robot. “There is all kinds of teamwork involved, from building a Web site to raising money. It’s a real world experience for the kids.” To their credit, the students have rallied quickly to secure funds, broaden awareness of their group and build their Web site.

Recent grants from Alcoa and JC Penney have augmented funds, and donations have already been received from Optiwind, United Steel, United Technology, New Hartford’s North Congregational Church and Winsted Pawn & Jewelry. The cost of team T-shirts was underwritten by a generous donor found simply via word of mouth.

“They do it all. We’re there if they need us. We can guide them and offer advice, but as mentors we let them take the lead on every aspect,” adds mentor Rachel Vincent, who is a teacher at Regional Seven.

While some mentors are parents of team members, there are many who have no current school ties, yet still volunteer their time and expertise. As a community event, the infectious enthusiasm of the group has drawn people in who had not thought to ever be a part of such a group.

“When it was mentioned to me that I should get involved, I had no idea what to expect,” says Norfolk resident Frank Buyak. Having retired from a career at Pitney-Bowes, Buyak indulges his engineering hobby with the help of a machine shop he set up in his home’s basement. “I had a career in teaching, but it was within a business environment. This is different, and in a good way. The energy these kids have is wonderful.”

From mentoring, to in-kind donations and underwriting funds, the group encourages local residents to participate not only in their inaugural contest, but also provide aid in future competitions. While there are five Norfolk students working on the current project, there are almost as many mentors from town, too.

And there’s more than just taking first prize and gaining real world experiences for members of robotics clubs. As a whole, FIRST has amassed $14 million in scholarships for students. Based on individual merit and covering a range of undergraduate fields, these scholarships can cover the cost for up to an entire four-year education. 

Working feverishly in the team’s newly created school lab, team president Ian Wooten summed up the experience by saying, “We’re a group of nerds, but we’re a group that works well together and has a lot of fun, too.”

More information about the Gearheads can be found at www.nrg4055.org.