Jellyfish Float to the Top at Regional Tournament Look to Sting Competition at Championship 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
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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.
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.”
Alex Thompson is a member of the Outreach team for Jellyfish robotics.
The full Jellyfish robotics team along with 4th and 5th grade participants of “Junior Jellies”. This is a community outreach program for the robotics team in which the Jellyfish Introduce concepts of STEM to children within the community through unique challenges
Sports
Recruited College Athletes By: Max Corbin
Nili Sprecher, University of Virginia D1 Nili first picked up a squash racket at the young age of four. When asked when she started getting serious about squash, she said, “I was always pretty serious about it, but played a
a bunch of other sports in middle school. After 8th grade, though, I chose to just focus on squash since I was getting pretty good at it, and it was all squash from then on.” When asked what led her to sign with Virginia she said, “I was
debating between some great schools, but I chose Virginia for its team and school atmosphere. The coach is amazing and cares about his players. Everyone there seems like a family, and I want to be a part of that, too.” Nili also wanted
to attend an academically challenging school. She is very excited about furthering her athletic and academic career in a new, exciting environment. Continued on Page 7
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