MANSFIELD — Stellar Robotics began with a goal of inspiring Richland County students to understand and appreciate engineering.
The club has done just that. Last weekend, Stellar Robotics was awarded with the Engineering Inspiration Award for its efforts in Richland County since the program began three years. Along with being invited to St. Louis for the World Championship, the contest’s entry fee will be paid for by NASA.
“Excitement has been unbelievable,” said Chantal DeYoe, the robotics groups’ leader. “Students have a new light in their eyes and are taking ownership. They are leading preparations in ways which is really cool to see.”
The award came as a bit of a surprise, DeYoe said. After playing a tough schedule in the last tournament, the team dropped in the overall rankings for the first time in its short history. Stellar Robotics had never placed lower than eighth place.
“We were well into the 30s,” DeYoe said. “So, we were blindsided to win this award. We are a small team focused on the local community.”
Alice Williams, a first-year Stellar teammate played a big role in the team earning the award.
She helped give the presentation to the judges and helped write the essay with a mentor.
“It was really quite and honor to get to present to the judges. It was really our whole team (who put in work on the presentations,” the 14-year-old said. “It was really fun. I’m surprised we won.”
DeYoe Shared her excitement and surprise.
“I was surprised the committee saw that and gave us the award. Teams win this award for helping spread excitement for robotics in the community. We’ve done that.”
First-year Air Guardians is also celebrating a bid to the St. Louis World Championships. Air Guardians, another local team, was awarded the Rookie All Star award for its commitment to robotics in their inaugural year together.
“We as mentors were totally hands off,” said lead mentor Bob Corcoran, who helped fund Air Guardians with help from Becky English, LT Instructor for the 179th Air Wing. “The kids formed their own study groups and spoke with other teams that had won the Rookie All Star.
“They were all on their own and had to prepare for their presentation to the judges.”
Corcoran said it will be intriguing to challenge clubs from around the world.
“We’ll compete with teams from Japan, Australia, Canada. The biggest part is to get students excited about technology and future opportunities,” he said. “That’s what we are doing. Our kids get to see what kind of high-figure salary jobs are available even in Richland County.”
Corcoran said he is excited both his team and Stellar will be traveling to St. Louis.
“By having two teams — Mansfield is a small town — so to have these two teams compete is really big.”
