May 6, 2024 By Notre Dame Academy
After extending their season by qualifying for and competing in the Massachusetts First Tech Challenge State Championship, the Notre Dame Academy Robotics Team enjoyed an afternoon with the Kids in Action Afterschool Program at Foster School. To say it was a whirlwind time would be an understatement but it was a month filled with new opportunities, satisfaction, pride, and fun!
The State Competition was held on Saturday, March 9 at Andover High School with 36 teams competing. It was a day filled with challenges, success, and gracious professionalism. We met players from so many schools and clubs who were willing to share their process with us and asked about ours. As first time competitors at the “states” we were grateful for the warm welcome, the tips on process, and the things we learned throughout the day from other teams, from corporate sponsors, and about our own abilities in the field. While we did not qualify for “worlds” (the international competition held annually here in the US), we were proud to have done so well on our first foray on this level. The NDA Cou-gears finished the year ranked 25th out of 400 teams in Massachusetts! Truly a team effort and we look forward to what we will do next season!
Hingham Kids in Action in April
You’ve heard the saying that “we saved the best for last.” Well, based on the fun we had at Foster School’s Kids in Action Program, it proves true! The Cou-gears enjoyed a few hours teaching about robotics and aeronautics to students in K through Grade 5 that culminated in a rocket launch using the kids’ designs. The children were all attentive, asked excellent questions, were eager to drive the robot, and designed very effective rockets. We were grateful to the faculty and staff who supported our invitation and assisted throughout the afternoon! We hope to return in the fall and expand the program to other schools!
We couldn’t wrap up our season without giving a HUGE shout-out to our sponsors! A robotics team is an expensive endeavor and we are truly grateful for their generous support. We benefitted from your confidence in us and we hope we made you proud!
And THANKS to the HINGHAM ANCHOR for giving us the space in your newspaper to share our efforts throughout the year! We are most appreciative!