The MVSB Charitable Fund is pleased to announce that it has awarded an $8500 grant to Gilford High School (GHS) FIRST Robotics Team 1831. This grant will help offset FIRST Robotics Competition registration fees and travel costs for the team.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competitions combine the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” develop teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against their competitors. As technology advances, the FIRST program gives students the opportunity and tools to keep pace with growing need for technical knowledge.
This year Gilford High School’s team, led by Head Adult Mentor, Mike Andrews, was tasked with creating a robot that could pick up and dispense a ball at various heights, within six weeks. Their creation, the Yelping Turkey II, brought them to the Quarter Finals for the Granite State District.
“Not only does this team give students hands on experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), but it also helps students refine their education path and opens doors to college scholarship opportunities that they would not otherwise have access to,” said Jackie Drever, Advisor for Gilford High School FIRST Robotics Team 1831. “Since 2006, our team members have received nearly $250,000 in scholarship funds and many have gone on to successful careers in STEM fields.”
FIRST was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills. For more information about FIRST, please visit: www.usfirst.org.
Gilford High School, home of the Golden Eagles, is located in the historic center of Gilford Village. The mission of Gilford High School, in partnership with our communities, is to engage each student actively in a broad range of educational opportunities that will equip all students to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens who have the abilities necessary to thrive in a changing society. To learn more about Gilford High School, please visit: ghs.sau73.org.
MVSB established the Meredith Village Savings Bank Fund in 1997 under the leadership of John Starrett who was then president and CEO of the Bank. Since then, 248 grants totaling more than $971,992 have been awarded to a wide range of environmental, social, educational, and historic projects throughout the Greater Lakes Region and Plymouth areas. Over the years, the Fund has supported literacy programs, after-school programs, environmental monitoring and education, restoration of historic structures, organizations that provide support for individuals and families in challenging circumstances, and equipment that helps save lives. The deadline for consideration for the 2014 grant cycle is October 15, 2014. Applications are available on the Bank’s website (www.mvsb.com) and at all MVSB offices.
Caption: Meredith Village Savings Bank’s Becky Reposa (right) presents an $8500 check, held by “Yelping Turkey II” to Gilford Robotics Team Advisor, Jackie Dever (left) and Team members (left to right) Joseph Bonnell, Connor Craigie and Ethan Theberge.
