High School Robotics Team Makes History

SIMSBURY, CT - Two years ago, there was no such thing as a robotics program at the private Ethel Walker School in Simsbury.

Two weeks ago, 13 students and their mentors returned to Connecticut after competing in the world championships halfway across the country, making history in the process.

In just its sophomore year, Walker's robotics program has quickly established itself as one of the premier programs in the region.

In early March, the Wirecats became the first all-girls team to win a New England district event, capturing the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition at Wilby High School in Waterbury. Following a strong performance in the XL Center in Hartford at the New England District Championships in mid-April, the team had compiled enough competition points to earn a spot in the 2016 FIRST World Championships, held April 27-30 in St. Louis, Mo.

Accompanied by a team from nearby Avon High School, the Wirecats embarked on a 22-hour bus ride to the nation's heartland, and were able to experience some of the high spots of St. Louis. They toured the famed City Museum, constructed mainly of recycled materials, visited the landmark Gateway Arch, and attended a Cardinals baseball game.

"We have a student from Hungary who had never been to a baseball game before," student Cheyenne Watts said.

Eventually the squad made it to the Edward Jones Dome, former home of the now-Los Angeles Rams, where the world championships would be held.

More than 640 teams from 43 countries were at the stadium, which contained eight fields on the outside of the playing surface and a large curtain in the center, behind which lay the main stage.

"It was exciting seeing teams from all over the world - Australia, Europe, Canada," Watts said.

Walker's was entered into the Newton Division with about 75 other teams, including some with world championship resumes.

"The Newton Division this year was considered the hardest subdivision in FIRST history," student Liza Phillips said. "It was pretty overwhelming; there were nine teams that had won the world championship. As a second-year team in the hardest division, against programs that are 10 and 20 years old, and being able to compete with and against teams like that was absolutely incredible."

The Wirecats did not capture the world title, but just being at the competition with a program still in its infancy was more than rewarding for the participating students.

"We didn't really mind how we did - last place, first place - we were just happy to be there," Phillips said.

Watts added, "We all felt proud how far we have come since last year."

Lauren Raia, Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life, attended the world championships in support of the students.

"It was so inspiring to watch our girls participate in that level of competition," she said. "They were strong competitors and one of the few all-girls teams. Other teams were in awe of how well our girls communicated with each other and how focused they were on competing."

Watts and Phillips thanked sponsors such as United Technologies and Stanley Black & Decker for their support, as well as the volunteer mentors who have taught the girls many new skills.

"It's fun to see these girls learn different skills they would normally not try, or didn't know they had," Phillips said.

Watts concurred, saying, "We appreciate every one of our mentors for helping us, educating us and being there for us when we're struggling. They challenge us to thing outside the box and solve problems on our own, which has helped us grow both inside and outside the school."

Rob Dawson, one of the mentors who accompanied the team to St. Louis, said, "It's really not about winning the competition. It's about growth and understanding, and FIRST does an excellent job of packing every bit of education into its program and having the students and mentors get everything out of it. All of the girls' achievements have been a team effort. They have shown constant commitment to handle the situations and challenges presented to them."

Photo courtesy of Ethel Walker School