Jellyfish Float to the Top at Regional TournamentLook to Sting Competition at Championship

Continued from Page 2 ning, however, as Chen was quick to point out. “I wouldn’t necessarily need to qualify [for regionals] to feel like the effort I put in was worth it. I think that just shows in our performance. I was also very, very happy for the freshmen who have never experienced this before. It was their first time and they earned it because they have put a lot into this team.”

“Freshmen are the future of our club,” said Zheng. “Getting them interested and passionate is so important because the next generation needs to be excited to learn. My favorite part this year is how passionate and involved they are. They go to meetings, tournaments, and are invested even outside of the club about Robotics.”

“Everything in robotics is so engaging and interesting that it’s given me a sense of belonging in a group,” said freshman Jocelyn Zheng.

“It’s really fulfilling to be integrated so quickly into a team. Everything I’m doing truly feels like it has a purpose,” freshman Amrit Mohapatra said. “It’s even more amazing to go to a tournament and win. It brings meaning and value to the work and preparation we do.” hapatra said. “It’s even more amazing to go to a tournament and win. It brings meaning and value to the work and preparation we do.”

Inspire Award The most prestigious award of the FIRST Tech Challenge. Given to teams who in the eyes of the judges fully embody the creativity and determination behind the tournament. The top two teams in this award category qualify for regional championships, and the Jellyfish walked home with silver in the category.

Control Award Given to teams who display clear intelligence and creativity when it comes to programming their robot. The programming used for our robot was not only efficient but utilized creative solutions to problems which earned us first in this award category.

Motivate Award Given to teams who truly endorse and spark interest around the main STEM and FIRST ideas in others. Our team has had constant outreach programs, such as Junior Jellies- and afterschool activity in which we present STEM concepts and challenges to 5th graders. This strong bond to inspiring our community allowed us to win second in this award.

Think Award Given to teams who overcome obstacles in their robot through creative engineering. In their overcoming of challenges posed to them during the tournament, the Jellyfish won third place.