Meredith Village Savings Bank (MVSB) has donated $5000 to Gilford High School’s FIRST Robotics team. The contribution will help offset competition registration fees and travel costs for the team.
Photo caption (left to right): Anthony Sperazzo, Gilford High School Principal, Rick Wyman, President, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Jackie Drever, Gilford High School FIRST Robotics Team Advisor and Gilford High School FIRST Robotics Team: Conner Craigie, Brad Parker, Jackson Laflamme, Noah Presby, Topher Weimann, Neal Miller, Jae Horvath, Haylee Perry, Sophie Leggett and Katrina Boucher
FIRST robotics competitions combine the excitement of sports with the discipline of science and technology. Teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand” and work together to build and program robots that perform prescribed tasks against competitors. As technology advances, FIRST gives students the opportunity and tools to keep pace with the growing need for technical knowledge.
Gilford High School’s team, led by captain, GHS senior Connor Craigie, is tasked with creating a robot that can perform several complex functions outlined in this year’s FIRST STEAMWORKS competition. FIRST STEAMWORKS invites two adventure clubs from an era in which technology relied on steam power to prepare their airships for the ultimate long distance race. Each three-team alliance scores points and prepares to take flight by building steam pressure, gathering materials to start the rotors, and boarding robots onto their airships. The adventurer club with the highest score at the end of the match is the best prepared for the race and wins.
“Not only does the Robotics team give students hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), but it also opens doors to college scholarship opportunities that they would not otherwise have access to,” said Jackie Drever, 10-Year Advisor for Gilford High School FIRST Robotics Team. “Since 2006, our team members have received more than $250,000 in scholarship funds and many go on to successful careers in STEAM fields.”
“I continue to be inspired by the ingenuity and passion exhibited by members of the Gilford High School Robotics team,” said Rick Wyman, President of Meredith Village Savings Bank. “These students work incredibly hard, challenging their science, technology, engineering and math skills each day. I always look forward to what they come up with every year.”
FIRST, which stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, 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 is to engage students in educational opportunities that prepare them for lifelong learning and responsible citizenship, providing them with the positive tools necessary to thrive in a changing society. To learn more about Gilford High School, please visit: ghs.sau73.org.
