By Stephen Smoot
If any governors of any states in these United States want to glimpse into the future of education, skills development, personal growth of young people, and technology all in one, they could see all of that by observing the JackBots robotics team in action this weekend.
The squad hit the road on Thursday to compete in Washington DC in conjunction with the National Governors’ Association winter meeting.
“All Governors will be in attendance (at the meeting) in DC,” shared Alicen Adkins, one of the coaches along with Bonnie Crites. She added that “All have been invited to this event along with U.S. Representatives and Senators, too. The President has been invited as well.”
One team from each state received an invitation to come and compete. From each team, one student ambassador represents both the team and the state
Robotics team participants include much more than simply designing, building, and operating a device in competition. Just as important in competition, “connect teams” conduct communications, fundraising, and other aspects of supporting the effort. This would be equivalent to students running the high school athletic boosters with a bit of guidance from adult mentors from time to time.
Student ambassadorships are part of the outreach aspect of the competition. From Moorefield, Summer Evans earned the honor. Furthermore, Evans and four others were selected by event organizers to conduct an interview of an American astronaut, Dr. Chris Williams, aboard the International Space Station. He is the flight engineer for Expedition 74.
“She will be talking to someone in space,” expressed Adkins excitedly. Adkins then explained that “she will be the last person to go. She will wrap it up and give our thanks.”
One of the advantages enjoyed by Moorefield lies in its dedication to use in-house crafted pieces and only purchase “stock” equipment when absolutely necessary. Students fashion pieces with 3D printers and assemble them according to designs engineered by them.
Adkins explained “this is the capstone event for the year. We did not advance to worlds like we did last year, though.” The team still earned a first place connect award in earlier competition for “outreach, primarily with STEM professionals, local businesses, universities, and others.” That was one of 12 first place awards granted for the Chesapeake District of FIRST Tech, in which Moorefield competes.
Chesapeake District includes Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC and is recognized as having the highest level of competition in the nation. Moorefield regularly competes against, and often bests, schools or non scholastic teams from much more populated and much more affluent areas.
A highlight of the season came when Moorefield again received the honor of hosting a major FIRST competition at Moorefield High School. Over 70 teams from across the Mid-Atlantic converged on Moorefield. Adkins said “the Facebook page for these events was overwhelmingly positive.” Visitors to the area for the competition raved about the scenery, the people, and the excellent organization of the event.
“We really enjoy hosting events like this,” shared Adkins. She added that the event is an important booster for tourism and likely encourages people to return in more congenial weather to enjoy the area.
Success in competition and connections has bred success in expanding participation. “There are over 40 teams between first and 12th grades in Moorefield,” said Adkins. While the high school team represents the area in interstate competition, it also takes the lead in teaching and encouraging the middle and elementary school teams.
“It’s kids teaching kids,” said Adkins.
Along with Bonnie Crites, Adkins helped to form an organization to spread the impact and the opportunity through an organization called STEMpact. It can help to build either school-based or grass roots non scholastic squads. “A lot of counties don’t have robotics or only have a school and not a community-based team.”
Financial support has come from grants and also generous donors. The Eastern Panhandle Community Foundation through its Hardy County entity has granted support. “American Woodmark is another huge partner,” said Adkins. Executives at a corporate meeting were highly impressed by the team as they watched a video of their performance.
While every team competes with a championship in mind, robotics competition leaves many more opportunities to shine. Moorefield High School in every way has brought rural West Virginia values, work-ethic, and ingenuity to both national and global platforms as they have constructed a community of participation and support right here in Hardy County.
And as they venture from high school into the world, they carry with them vital money-making and job earning skills that can set them up for success in life as well.
