The Globe Unified School District’s FIRST Robotics Challenge Team (FRC 5059) recently celebrated a victory at the Arizona North Regional FRC competition on March 16, along with the Rockwell Collins Innovation in Control award at the same event.
The win makes the team eligible for a second invitation to the World Championships, this year in Houston, April 17-20.
“We credit our accomplishments to the wonderful partnerships we have throughout the region,” team organizer Noelle Anderson said. “These generous donations allow the Robotics program to finance team growth and participation in competitions, but especially to advance our team development with investment in shop infrastructure, such as essential parts and tools, technology, plus state-of-the-art machinery.”
The FRC 5059 has come far since its start in 2013 as a team of five students. With affiliate support from GUSD and sponsorships from Resolution Copper, Freeport McMoRan, Boeing, among others in the Globe-Miami community, the program has grown.
The Midnight Cicadas Robotics program now reaches almost every student in GUSD, with networks in surrounding Gila County schools as well.
The GUSD Robotics programs encompass a total of seven teams with participants in grades K-12, a high school Robotics elective and a classroom-based Lego League curriculum accessed by the entire Copper Rim Elementary School.
The future promises further growth into middle school, by planting FIRST Tech Challenge into the schedule, during and after school, and mentoring Lego Leagues at the Cobre Valley Youth Club.
The program’s successes include multiple design awards for all team divisions, including FIRST Lego, Tech, and Robotics Challenge, National team individual Dean’s List Awards, State Invitationals in all divisions and now a second regional win for the FRC team at the 2019 AZ North event. We hope to return from Houston this April with more accolades to report.
“Our gratitude goes out many times over to all who have supported us throughout our brief history,” Anderson said. “We appreciate you for valuing the potential of our students. Your support ensures that our youth are prepared for the rigor and challenges they will face during their future academic pursuits and careers in STEM.”
For those who would like to donate to the program and/or assist with the team’s trip to the World Championship in Houston, contact Noelle Anderson at Noelle.anderson1@globeschools.org or go to www.globeschools.org to make an Arizona Tax Credit donation.
Families are permitted to donate up to $400 annually and up to $200 for individuals.
Credits are still eligible for the 2018 filing season until April 15.
The public is invited to attend an outreach appearance this spring and summer, beginning with the annual STEMFest at Gila Community College on Saturday, April 27.
