(WHS) robotic team members get to do some pretty cool things. Two members set up “Miss Daisy” on stage for a Black Eyed Peas concert during a national robotics competition in St. Louis this spring. Black Eyed Peas front man, will.i.am is a big fan of robotics. He spearheaded a TV special airing Sunday night on ABC that celebrates education, robotics and science.
Michelle Gallemmo, a WHS senior, was one of Team 341's members who set up Miss Daisy when Black Eyed Peas' crew was doing sound checks. “It was definitely exciting. I had never seen what goes on behind the scenes,” she said.
Team 341’s head coach and WHS science teacher, Al Ostrow, said the Black Eyed Peas invited all FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) World Championship Chairman’s Award winners to set up their robots on stage for the concert. on Team 341’s award-winning efforts. The machines provided a backdrop for the concert, said Ostrow.
Ostrow also chose Patrick West, a WHS senior, to help set up the team’s machine. West said he did not know what to expect of Black Eyed Peas being at the FIRST competition. “I was a little iffy, and wondered if this was a charity thing,” he said. But, West said will.i.am was “really pumped,” about robotics.
West got to shake the front man’s hand as he performed on the catwalk. During the performance will.i.am emphasized to FIRST contestants they were doing “something worthwhile that can help the country. It [robotics] is a very progressive thing,” said West.
Team 341 was front and center in the audience. “We were in the pit,” said West, for the standing room only concert.
Gallemmo said there were breaks during the concert to hand out competition awards. She said the awards ceremonies are “usually pretty boring,” but this time it was “pretty cool” as winners came on stage to receive their awards.
Willow Smith sang four songs, and Gallemmo, West, Luke Mullock, Evan Ostrow and a few others got to sit in on her rehearsal, said Ostrow.
will.i.am sponsors a robotics team, Gallemmo said.
“i.am.FIRST – Science is Rock and Roll” hour-long special airs on Channel 6, WPVI, at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Patch Community Guidelines
Patch welcomes contributions and comments from our users. We strive for civil, enlightened discussions on Patch stories and local issues. Please abide by our posting standards:
Users who violate our posting rules will have their comments blocked or deleted. Users who flagrantly violate our standards can be banned at the moderator's discretion.