In April, due to the chapter's generosity, the Ramstein Royal Robotics Team 15527 at Ramstein High School at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, was able to travel to Houston, Texas, for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World International Robotics Championship.
The robotics team is deeply committed to fostering STEM skills among its members through hands-on challenges within the FTC program. In the 2023-24 season, their dedication bore fruit as they secured an invitation to the International Championships.
Following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022-23 Ramstein Robotics team faced a series of hurdles. With a change in mentors and only one sophomore member returning, the team essentially started from scratch. Despite their enthusiasm, they lacked experience, culminating in a 27th-place finish out of 28 teams at the ONADoDEA Invitationals in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
However, as is often the case, experience proved to be an invaluable teacher. Armed with lessons learned, Team 15527 embarked on the 2023-2024 season with more realistic objectives and a clearer grasp of areas needing improvement. They commenced preparations earlier and delved deeper into the intricacies of autonomy within the competition. Tackling challenges across STEM domains, including mechanical engineering, programming and mathematics, the team made significant advancements.
Comprising six dedicated students-seniors Michael Sorensen and Julia Adkins, junior Gwyn Cedarholm, sophomores Xander Sanchez and Deylan Acasio and freshman Douglas Morris, alongside mentor Brianna Kohl and faculty advisor Alfred Rios, the team functioned cohesively and achieved notable progress.
At the 2024 ONADoDEA Invitationals, the team excelled, clinching a top 10 finish and earning selection as the first choice for the final's alliance by the top-ranking team. Their prowess extended to four award categories, securing third place for the Think Award, third for the Connect Award, second for the Innovate Award and second for the Motivate Award. Most notably, they secured the prestigious Inspire Award and received an invitation to the FTC Finals.
To cover the expenses for travel, accommodations, food, transportation and the entry fee, a faculty member contacted AFCEA International for assistance in obtaining the required $12,212. The chapter, along with the AFCEA International Education Committee, generously contributed $12,000 toward the team's expenses.
The team's journey to Houston proved both enlightening and motivating. A tour of the NASA Buoyancy Laboratory and a memorable outing at a Houston Astros game, courtesy of an unexpected invitation, enriched their experience. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the FIRST Championships, where teams from across the globe converged, the Ramstein team engaged with peers, gaining insights and inspiration.
Exploring sponsor booths, they interacted with companies offering expertise relevant to the tech challenge, realizing the diverse career opportunities within STEM fields. Embracing the ethos of Gracious Professionalism, they acknowledged the polished performances of seasoned teams, drawing inspiration rather than intimidation.
|