FIRST® Robotics 2019 Challenge Kickoff held in Spencerport

Barbara BurkeJanuary 14, 2019

647 1 minute read

Local officials attended the kickoff to show their support of students participating in the FIRST® Robotics 2019 Challenge. Back row (l-r): Gary Penders (Spencerport Village Mayor), Mike Zale (County Legislator), Dan Milgate (Spencerport SCSD Superintendent), Cheryl DiNolfo (County Executive), Traci DiFlorio (County Legislator) Frank Alkoffer (County Legislator), George Hebert (County Legislator). Front row (l-r): Spencerport students Abby Case, Leigha Bopp, Tori Warner, Justin Hockenberger, Alyssa Epping, Sean Bracken (President of Team 3015 Ranger Robotics).

Spencerport’s Team 3015 Ranger Robotics hosted the 2019 FIRST^® Robotics kickoff event on January 5 at Spencerport High School. More than 800 students and mentors from 35 area teams attended this important beginning of the FIRST^® season for 2019.

FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, 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.

The 2019 FIRST^® Robotics kick-off event occured simultaneously around the world so that all teams could receive the FIRST^® game challenge for the season at the same time. At 10:30 a.m., a video was shown where the challenge was unveiled and the season began with a rookie build occurring at Spencerport High School.

The challenge this year is called Deep Space. Teams will race to complete a rocket by placing hatch covers and cargo. They also can place hatch cover and cargo on their cargo ship located in the middle of the field. Finally, teams will try to climb to the highest step in the end game. To view the challenge video go to https://youtu.be/Mew6G_og-PI.

Spencerport’s Team 3015 consists of over 70 students, two high school technology teachers and 15 adult mentors from industry. The program offers a place for students interested in engineering, computer programming, computer aided drawing (design), hands-on mechanical work, marketing and promotions and leadership roles.

With the support of their respective school districts, Spencerport’s Team 3015, Churchville-Chili’s Team 340 and Hilton’s Team 6868 will share a large “Team Warehouse,” giving them extra space to work on their builds for this year’s challenge.

Photos by Karen Fien

Sean Bracken with the robot from the 2017 competition season. It’s name is QuickDraw. During competition, it would shoot balls, pick up gears, and climb a rope. Now, as a demonstration bot, it only shoots balls.

Left to right: Joe Gallina (one of the 5 lead mentors for Spencerport Team 3015) with Mike Zale (County Legislator).

Sponsors of Spencerport Team 3015 Ranger Robotics (l-r): Tom Bopp (THB Enterprises and Ankom Technologies), Gary Bracken (Leidos Inc.), Mark Krolczyk (Three Design), Ron Borden (Bausch & Lomb). — Sponsors of Spencerport Team 3015 Ranger Robotics (l-r): Tom Bopp (THB Enterprises and Ankom Technologies), Gary Bracken (Leidos Inc.), Mark Krolczyk (Three Design), Ron Borden (Bausch Health).

Sean Bracken (left) with Mike Zale (right) and their brand new Omio CNC Router. This new CNC Router has a water cooled spindle and is wider than other CNC’s its size.