Gage Park High School Robotics Club

 hopes to clean up the competition at the FIRST Tech Challenge.

Marc Irwin
Published: November 4, 2011

3 students from Gage Park High School have been working very hard to prepare for the FTC regional qualifier at Malcolm X college on Nov. 12th. While most Gage Park students were enjoying their fall intercession, Adonny Barrera, Stephany Barrera, and Rashad Foster were building, programming, and designing a robot that they believe will "clean up" at competition.
FTC, or FIRST Tech Challenge, is a worldwide competition designed to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each year the game changes and teams have a mere 6 weeks to prepare for their events. This years competition, called Bowled Over" involves flipping and stacking miniature milk crates and picking up raquetballs on a 12' X 12' enclosed arena.

The teams' coach Mr. Irwin has swayed busy professionals with his entushiastic attitude and heartfelt dedication to donate their time, expertise, and money to the cause. Bill Dods owner of Advance wheel corporationhas donated a 4000 square foot facility where the team practices daily. Independent entrepreneur and machinist Paul Jenskovec has allowed the team to use machinery to fabricate pieces for the robot. He has also donated more than $1200 to date on plastics, aluminum, field mat, and various hardware. They have gained experience with lathes, mills, welding, drill presses, belt sanders and taps. Retired engineer, Bruce Petersen, has lent the team his years of product development experience. His foresight has been invaluable in helping to decide which ideas will work and which ones  are fatally flawed. CPS graduate Daniel Galan has maintained team communication, flyers, brochures, and more behind the scenes help in recruiting as well as helping the drive and programming team.

The team still needs more students. The team has a very strong chance to gain sponsorship for FRC, especially if they fare well in this months contest. Any student or adult that is interested in joining as a mentor or a team member should contact Marc Irwin at mirwin66@gmail.com. Students can have a great time being a part of a great project, have the opportunity to receive scholarships, and build lifelong skills.


Courtesy of Chicago Lawn Portal