The St. Francis High School FIRST Robotics team, Mechanical Masterminds, enjoyed an amazing adventure as they participated in the 2018 FIRST Robotics Championship. From April 25-28, 2018, twelve members of the Mechanical Masterminds traveled to Detroit, Michigan to compete against some of the best teams in the world. This honor was given these students for their outstanding success and winning the Rookie All-Star at the Medtronic Foundation regional event in March.
Among hundreds of teams from 70 different countries, the Mechanical Masterminds seized the opportunity to observe other teams and learn what’s needed to build a championship team. The students worked with peers and mentors to problem solve and innovate new strategic and technical methods to improve the robot. As judges visited the Mechanical Masterminds’ pit they highly commended the team for their progress as a rookie team and success in building a solid foundation to inspire STEM in our St. Francis community. They received recognition as an outstanding team and are brought home fantastic memories, great learning, and a solid foundation to advance FIRST Robotics at St. Francis.
This success is a direct result of the many volunteer hours and donations from mentors, parents, and support of our St. Francis Area School administration. The lifeblood of our successful team comes from our community partners. The Mechanical Masterminds are incredibly grateful to the following businesses and individuals who generously supported our team for the 2017-18 season:
St. Francis Area Schools
Medtronic Foundation
Delta Modtech
Donatelle
St. Francis Area Chamber of Commerce
Mechatronic Solutions
Northland Screw Products
The Courier
St. Francis Lions
Minuteman Press
Northern Silk Screen
The Bridge
Bepex
Johnnie and Luanna Fogarty
James Doll
John and Nancy Huninghake
Jeff Andrea
Through the summer, mentors and team leaders are using the lessons learned to build our program for St. Francis. Parents and mentors have formed an official St. Francis Robotics Booster Club to further organize and prepare for expected growth of our team. The team has launched a new website to communicate opportunities to engage and a central calendar of events.
With the goal of STEM awareness, the team welcomes anyone interested in joining or contributing to the Mechanical Masterminds for an exciting 2018-19 FIRST Robotics season. The theme for our competitions will be the 50th Anniversary of putting a man on the moon. Partners, sponsors, and mentors will be needed. Watch for information sessions later in the summer as the second season of Robotics in St. Francis is launched.
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