HVGCC AIM Committee Presents $1K Donation to PHS Robotics Team

Now in its eighth year at Peekskill Schools, the district’s Robotics program continues to thrive as students move into their new home in the high school’s freshly constructed STEAM Innovation Center. The Robotics team recently hosted the 6th Annual First Tech Challenge at Peekskill High School and qualified to attend the State championships in Utica on March 6.

In support of the team’s growing success, on Monday, February 4, PCSD staff and PHS Robotics students met in the school’s STEAM Center to accept a $1,000 donation from the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce (HVGCC) Art Industry Media (AIM) committee. Members of the HVGCC and the City of Peekskill Council also attended the event.

The AIM Committee of the Hudson Valley Gateway of Commerce was the brainchild of Peekskill Hat Factory owner, Ben Green. In 2017, Green realized that Peekskill and the surrounding Chamber territory had become an art, media and technology hub. Now AIM is looking to inspire creativity in the next generation of Peekskill.

“AIM seeks to foster innovation in our area, and the Peekskill High School Robotics team is a wonderful example of how technology can engage young minds and help to develop a new generation of business innovators,” said Charles “Chuck” Newman, HVGCC Board Member and Member of the AIM Committee.

Newman, along with Chairman of the HVGCC Board Marianne Oros and City Councilwoman Kathy Talbot, presented the check to the Peekskill Robotics team after the students provided a robot demonstration to the group. Jeff Cobelli, HVGCC Board member and AIM Committee Chairman also attended the event via video.

In the pre-recorded message, Cobelli invited the robotics students to reach out to AIM in the future as they continue to move forward in their education and lives.

“We want to support you anyway we can, Cobelli said. “Money is one way, and it’s nice, but we want to promote you too. If AIM can help you in any way, in your career and in your future, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

Peekskill Robotics Teacher Mr. Carlo Vidrini noted that the team plans to use the donation to help cover costs for materials and for traveling to the State championships.

“I am so proud of our students and the work they are doing,” Vidrini said. “All but one member of our team is new, and they are already making a name for themselves in school and in the community. This is a result of their hard work and dedication. I’m happy that others have recognized their talents and are cheering them on. I thank the Chamber and the AIM Committee for their support. It means so much to our students.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Mauricio echoed Mr. Vidrini’s sentiments.

“This donation from the AIM Committee is greatly appreciated,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Mauricio. “We also appreciate that our community members recognize the potential of our talented students, so much so that they have come forward with such great support and encouragement.”