Having won several awards at recent First Tech Challenge (FTC) tournaments, the Kingswood Oxford robotics team has qualified to compete at the CT state championship on Mar. 8.
At a Greenwich Academy competition on Jan. 18, the Wyverns took home the “Think Award,” given to the team whose engineering notebook best reflects the team’s journey throughout the design process. According to FTC, judges take careful note of the underlying science and mathematics of the robot design and game strategies, including ‘interesting moments’ when things didn’t go as planned.
The 11-member team, coached by KO teachers Donna Balcezak and Sarah Lamb and supported by Brenda Semmelrock, also placed second for the Inspire Award, the highest award in these competitions, and was a runner-up for the Motivate award, which celebrates FTC through team spirit and enthusiasm.
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Two weeks later, at a Feb. 1 competition at Loomis Chaffee, the KO team won the Control Award, given for impressive use of sensors in programming. In addition, the team again came in second for the Inspire Award, and was a runner-up for the Promote, Think, and Motivate Awards.
The Wyverns will next compete in the VT state championship on Mar. 1 before continuing to the CT state championship on Mar. 8.
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Students interested in beginning or pursuing robotics are invited to consider Camp KO’s two-week summer robotics programs for students entering grades 5-10; for more information, go to www.campko.com.
Kingswood Oxford has long been known for producing resourceful problem-solvers, innovative leaders, and clear, confident communicators. For information about enrollment, contact the Admissions Office at 860-727-5000.
