Gann Academy Robotics Team Inspires

By Samantha Levine-Neudel

Needham resident Aaron Jaeger was part of Gann Academy’s first-ever robotics team which won the prestigious Inspire Award at the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) World Championship in St. Louis. This time, the Robots And Brain Bots Inc. (RABBI) team earned the highest honor after competing against 128 teams representing 29 different countries.

The eight students who make up RABBI caught the eye of the judges by displaying their unique team experience, extensive community outreach, and strong character. The two most impressive undertakings by the students were: their attempt to create a fully autonomous robot, and their willingness to translate for non-English speaking teams. It was these two acts, coupled with countless others, that helped team RABBI to stand out.

In its inaugural year, RABBI has had success at the local, state and international level of competition. Students spent countless hours both during and after school designing, building and programming a robot to compete in the FTC competition. They also took part in numerous community outreach and fundraising activities to build awareness and educate others on the mission of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

"The entire Gann community has much to be proud of," said Josh Neudel, Science Department chairman. "Our students not only produced an innovative design for their robot, but conducted themselves in a way that shows the true spirit of the values we teach."

Along with Jaeger, a sophomore at Gann Academy in Waltham, the RABBI team includes sophomores Ben Chaney of Arlington, Nathan Kaufman of Dedham, Sam Rosenstein of Newton and Ben Potel of Chestnut Hill and juniors Anna Fasman of Newton, Jacqueline Finkielsztein of Newton, Eliana Perlmutter of Stow. They are coached by Tal Achituv.

“This is an incredible educational experience, and quite an accomplishment,” said Rabbi Marc Baker, head of school at Gann Academy. “The work these students have done and what they have been able to achieve in such a short period of time is truly inspirational.”

FIRST is a nonprofit organization designed to inspire young adults to pursue a career in the sciences and technology communities by creating exciting hands on experiences. The Inspire Award is the most prestigious honor given out by FTC. It is given to the team who finishes among the top in all of the judging categories. The winner of the Inspire Award is considered to be a role model for all others competing. Gann Academy is a pluralistic day school committed to providing a challenging, nurturing, and inspiring education that integrates intensive Jewish studies with the sciences and the humanities. Gann Academy’s Science Department strives to give its students a strong background in science as well as creating many real world applications for its students to explore.

Know a whiz kid?

Is there a neighbor who has gone above and beyond to help others? A local Scout making a difference? A student who is excelling in a particular subject? A young musician sharing her talents with others? Let us know!

Each week, Needham Patch seeks suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and will select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in the comment box at the bottom of the page or e-mail the information to Becca.Manning@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

●      Nominator's Name and E-Mail

●      Whiz Kid's Name and Age

●      Whiz Kid's School

●      Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

●      Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo (or a photo may be submitted). For more information, e-mail Becca.Manning@patch.com.