Gamelin’s Robots, the Providence High School Robotics Team, placed fifth among 51 schools at the National Robotics League Competition held in May at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. The PHS ’bot “Eggs-equetor” successfully won its first four matches, but fell in the semifinals to a ’bot built by Hempfield Area High School from Greensburg, Pa., which eventually came in third place.
“I am still in shock that we did as well as we did,” said team advisor Susan Beckenham, who serves as Technology Focus program director for the school. “I think the team gained incredible experience at the Nationals. They learned teamwork and perseverance. They were able to see other ’bots and analyze the engineering. The students were also able to travel together well and really bond as a team.”
After PHS placed third at the highly competitive regional competitions, Beckenham chose to bring the team to the Nationals. “I thought it would be a great idea for them to see what it takes to succeed on the national level,” she said. “I wanted to give the kids something to shoot for.”
