The robotics team drove into the competition season after a grueling six weeks of building.

The team emerged victorious from a district competition in Rhode Island, taking them to the regional competition at WPI on April 10 through April 12. At regionals, the team competed with the top 16 robotics teams in New England. At the competition, the team came in second place (along with other teams).

This year, the team’ robot must stack bins, boxes, and pool noodles for points. At competitions, teams

Co-captain senior Jessie Sigler likened the competitions to a sporting event.

At first, competitions seem daunting, but the team has proven that they can overcome any obstacles thrown their way.

“You never say, ‘Oh, we can do that,’ but you always can,” advisor George Clarke said.

In early March, the team attended their first competition in Reading, winning the award for creativity in design. Over the weekend of March 21, the team competed and won at Bryant University in Rhode Island.

Team members attribute their win at Bryant University to the team’s cooperation and a better understanding of the game.

“Because it was our second event, we were more prepared, because by that time, we knew what we were doing,” senior Sean O’Neil said.

However, robotics isn’t all about the competitions.

“Although the core goal is to spread the importance of STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] education, robotics is also a place where a lot of kids find their passions,” co-captain senior Manisha Rajaghatta said.

“There’s a feeling you get with everyone pulling together and working hard to do something difficult,” Clarke said.

The team also participates heavily in community outreach, hosting demonstrations at town events and facilitating a LEGO robotics league for younger students. For many members, it’s an opportunity to share their passions and give back.

“Being in robotics allows me to help interest younger kids in robotics and engineering through all the outreach that the team does,” junior Sarah LoVerso said.

LoVerso is one of two of the team’s nominees for the prestigious Dean’s List award this year. The award recognizes students for their contributions both to their teams and to their communities.

The robotics team is in its thirteenth year, and membership is at an all-time high of 67 students.

“We’re looking forward to bigger and better things,” Sigler said, speaking of the upcoming season and the future of the team.