Pinkerton Academy's FIRST Team 241 is gearing up for its annual robotics challenge, March 4-6, at the Verizon Center in Manchester. The students are building a robot to enter into the regional event, which pits teams against each other.
In 1992, New Hampshire inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. The program is designed to help students build self-confidence, teamwork, knowledge and life skills while learning to build robots. This year's problem is "Breakaway," where robots are on a playing field, kicking and moving balls to earn points.
FIRST Robotics Team 1058 from Londonderry — the PVC Pirates — also competes this weekend. The team is in its eighth year of competing in FIRST events, and is a three-time BAE Granite State Regional Award winner.
This year is especially important for the PVC Pirates as they have asked for a petition warrant article to be put on the March 9 ballot requesting $7,000 for funding for the team's next season.
"It makes this competition so much more crucial," Londonderry High School senior Stacey Champagne said. "We want to prove to the town that amidst budget cuts and job loss, this is the program to invest in. These students don't ever disappoint, and the probability that each and every one of them gets worthwhile skills and will go on to do something great because of this program is almost a guarantee."
The FIRST program has grown from its roots in New Hampshire and involves more than 2,000 teams with 45,000 young competitors in 12 countries. The original program also spawned competitions for younger technology and construction fans, including junior LEGO competitions.
Regional competition for Team 241 includes the matchup in Manchester. The FIRST championship event is set for April in Atlanta. To learn more about Pinkerton's FIRST team, visit www.team241.org. For Londonderry, visit www.team1058.com.
