Manchester HS Robotics Team Competes At International Competition

MANCHESTER, NJ — The Manchester Township High School Robotics Club made school history with its first trip to the 2022 International SeaPerch Challenge.

Seniors Sarah Smith, Sean Becker and Wyatt Cervenak and junior Abena Konadu, who took second in the vehicle performance category at the 2022 Greater Philadelphia SeaPerch Challenge on April 29, competed at the international competition on June 4.

Smith, Becker and Cervenak competed against teams from all over the world in the International Challenge at the University of Maryland. The group has worked together since joining the robotics team in 6th grade at the middle school and they are all now heading to Rowan University to major in engineering.

The international competition was very soon after the regional, and the team spent many hours working to meet tight deadlines, the school district said.

"The event was extremely exciting for me," Becker said. "Being the first team in Manchester to compete internationally was a huge honor, and I was definitely nervous. I loved having the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and spend time with my teammates."

"The competition itself was nothing we weren't prepared for, we had everything we needed to succeed, but unfortunately one of our motors stalled and we couldn't fix it once we started so we finished poorly," Becker said. "That didn't impede our good time, and the trip was still very worth it, not only the experience but the opportunity to compete internationally."

"When we arrived in Maryland, it was breathtaking to see the number of people and robots there, the different designs, and where everyone came from," Smith said. "We talked to people from across and outside the US and talked about all the STEM programs in their schools. Being able to hear from these people and exchange our knowledge is an experience that I will never forget. "

"It was a very stressful year, with competitions being canceled due to COVID and one competition the students were ready for they were not able to compete because we had the wrong kits," said Pat White, the club supervisor. "These students truly overcame many obstacles and I am so proud of them."

Smith said the team faced a variety of challenges.

"When we arrived in Maryland, it was breathtaking to see the number of people and robots there, the different designs, and where everyone came from," she said.

"We talked to people from across and outside the US and talked about all the STEM programs in their schools. Being able to hear from these people and exchange our knowledge is an experience that I will never forget," she said.

The competition had several issues. "The vertical motor burnt out, a propeller fell off, and the robot sank very quickly," Smith said.

"Through all this hardship, we persevered and finished the mission and two runs of the obstacle course, collecting as many points as possible," Smith said. "Though we did not perform well, we walked out with our heads held high, proud that we even made it this far. This experience was a 7-year dream coming to life, and I am so thankful for the school, teachers, and students that made it all possible."

NOTE: The headline on this article has been corrected to reflect the team competed at the international contest. They were second at the regional event. Patch regrets the error.