East Cobb Robotics Coach Remembered

Lydia Kedzierski, a coach, volunteer and mebtor for an East Cobb-area girls robotics team nationally recognized for its achievements, died on Nov. 19 from a brain aneuryism. 

Kedzierski was an integral part of the GENIUS Robotics program (Girls Exploring New Ideas Using Science) that encourages young females to consider studies in science, technology and engineering. 

It is officially known as FIRST LEGO League robotics team and is affiliated with the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.

FIRST senior mentor Mary Roberts said Kedzierski was a judge and referee and served on coaching panels for the FIRST Lego League across Georgia. 

"We will miss Lydia. We were privileged to have her as a mentor, coach and event volunteer for several years," Roberts said.

The East Cobb group was profiled in The Marietta Daily Journal for its recent participation in the FIRST Lego World Series, a global robotics festival. The East Cobb GENIUS team qualified at at Southern Poly. 

The East Cobb team also was an exhibitor at the Girls Scouts of Atlanta  in late October. Just a week later, on Nov. 5, Kedzierski was stricken, and died two weeks later of complications stemming from the aneuryism.

A memorial service for Kedzierski will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 17 at , 3401 Lower Roswell Road.

Those wishing to make a contribution in Kedzierski's memory are asked to do so to benefit Marietta-based  or the St. Vincent DePaul Society of Atlanta.

A memorial scholarship fund is being set up through the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta for new robotics teams.

Condolences also have been posted from around the country on the GENIUS Robotics Facebook page. The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles is dedicating six roses on its float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day in Kedzierski's memory.