Tag Archives: youth

Axalta FTC scholarship awarded

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Photo: Axalta

Axalta awards Georgia Mackay, Newark High School senior and MOE robotics team member, the Axalta First State Robotics Scholarship. Left to right, Michael Mackay-Georgia’s father, Georgia Mackay and Axalta’s Lisa Miree-Luke. Photo: Axalta

 

Georgia Mackay, Newark High School senior, was named 2016 recipient of Axalta’s First State Robotics Scholarship last week (February 6) at the 2016 Diamond State FIRST Tech Challenge Championship. Mackay was selected for her scholastic achievement, dedication and excellent contributions to the Miracles of Engineering (MOE) robotics team. She plans to attend the University of Delaware this fall to study engineering.

“Axalta is happy to support such a talented group of young men and women,” said Lisa Miree-Luke, Axalta’s Head of Corporate Affairs, North America.  “These bright minds are the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.  We are pleased to support the organization that helps these kids unleash their potential and encourage students to take advantage of life’s opportunities.”

FSR Board president, Peggy Vavalla, congratulated Georgia and praised her success. “It is exciting to see a young woman like her strive to become a leader in the engineering fields. In addition, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Axalta for their continued involvement. Their support helps us to bring programs like FTC to the Delaware community.”

Axalta’s sponsorship was recognized by a “thumbs-up” in Saturday, February 13, editorial in Delaware News Journal.

Three Delaware Robotics Teams Excel at Local Tournament

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On January 9 at the FIRST Tech Challenge tournament in Oxford, PA, two First State Robotics teams, Rhyme Know Reason and MOE 365, as well as one other Delaware team, Archmere Academy’s Robauktics, were so successful that they earned invitations to the Pennsylvania State FTC Championship, February 27 in York, PA.

  • Rhyme Know Reason earned the Think Award for their engineering notebook,
  • MOE earned the Connect Award for interaction with the STEM community,
  • Robauktics won all 5 matches in the qualifying round of the field competition.

While all three teams competed in semi-final rounds, Robauktics and Rhyme Know Reason posted scores during qualifying  matches to be named captains. Archmere’s Robauktics continued on to play in tournament finals.

In addition to invitations to attend PA State Championship, all three teams will compete again on Saturday, February 6, at the Diamond State Championship at Delaware State University in Dover, DE. Join in cheering them on! Both championship events are free and open to the public.

 

January 9, Oxford, PA FTC Tournament
January 9, Oxford, PA FTC Tournament
January 9, Oxford, PA FTC Tournament

FSR announces 2016 board

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President George W. Bush, meets with the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), "Chairman's Award" Winning Team: MOE (Miracles of Engineering) Team 365 from Baltimore, MD at the White House, Monday, April 30, 2007, in Washington. Participants included Carol Kauffman, regional FIRST advisor (far left). Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls"

President George W. Bush, meets with the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), “Chairman’s Award” Winning Team: MOE 365 at the White House, Monday, April 30, 2007. Participants included Carol Kauffman, regional FIRST advisor (far left). Photo Credit: “NASA/Bill Ingalls”

The Board of First State Robotics has a new member for 2016. At the December meeting, the board voted to invite Roy Hernandez to fill a vacancy left by the retirement of Carol Kauffman. Carol, a former regional director with FIRST, is an outspoken advocate for the power of youth robotics programs such as FIRST, to develop student self-confidence, career choices, and academics.

In a 2007 interview after traveling to the White House with FSR team MOE 365, Carol recalled the first time she attended a FIRST event and the encounter with two girls that got her hooked-

“I saw these two girls working on one of the robots…They were interacting with adults, explaining things like electrical systems… It turns out they… had never dreamed about going to college before getting involved in a robotics team. I thought that if something like this could inspire regular girls to read about electronics on their own and learn all of this, then it should be encouraged everywhere.”

Board president, Peggy Vavalla praised her years of service. “Carol Kauffman had a voice of experience, having been involved with USFIRST for many years. We will miss her enthusiasm, knowledge and ability to clarify an issue and identify the problem. We wish her great success in her future endeavors.”

Roy Hernandez, a Vice President in risk management with Barclays, comes to FSR with a wealth of experience as community leader and volunteer, having served terms with boards of the Latin American Community Center and Academia Antonia Alonso, a charter school in Wilmington. He is also the dad of an FSR robotics student.

In welcoming the newest member, Peggy noted, “Roy Hernandez’s background of service on various nonprofit boards makes him an ideal person to help us fulfill our mission. His previous experience with community outreach and education will help us look at new ideas and ways to move forward. The board is looking forward to his expertise and participation.”