Eli Hill, Technology
Education Teacher
Last year Cook County High School competed in its FIRST robotics competition and had an absolute blast. The kids learned about complex systems, planning and working as a team. We’re gearing up for another year and now that we know what to expect, we plan on stepping things up a notch. There are 12-15 students participating this year, some new members, some returning. The new team name is “Icestorm Technology” to celebrate winter weather in the Arrowhead.
It is very expensive to participate in this exciting program, starting with a $5,000 entry fee. Last year a grant from Medtronic covered the entry fee and we raised another $3,000 from area businesses and families for hotels, transportation, team T-shirts and additional parts and tools. This year we have received another grant from FIRST for $3,000 as a second year rookie team. We hope to raise an additional $6,000 or more to cover additional expenses and to fund the program for future years.
On Thursday, November 19, several students attended a board meeting at Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) to ask them to be a major sponsor. Arrowhead agreed to sponsor our team with $3,000, a huge donation that will help assure that our team can afford to participate. Thank you, Arrowhead Electric, for that generous contribution! We have also received donations from Mike’s Holiday, Lyle Gerard, Dockside Fish Market, Benny’s Collision Center, Buck’s Radio Shack, Lake Superior Trading Post, Tire and Auto Lodge, Como Oil, Grand Marais Pharmacy, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Lioness Committee. Thank you to all of our sponsors.
If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Eli Hill at the school. All sponsors will have their names and logos put on our T-shirts and website, and major sponsors over $500 will have their names proudly displayed on our robot.
Mentors are also needed. Many components of the robot utilize “state of the art” computer technology as well as manufacturing technology such as designing and assembling electrical components, gear ratios and drive train, chassis and frame welding/assembly. Besides designing and building we need help with fundraising, website development, logo design, and product research. If you aren’t a robotics wizard but would like to lend a hand, you can still help by offering rides, making treats or meals or chaperoning at the contest in the Twin Cities on April 1, 2 and 3rd. Please contact Hill at ehill@ isd166.k12.mn.us or call (218) 387-2273 ext 202 to find out how you can help.
The contest only lasts six weeks and there is a lot to do and only a short time to do it all!
We are hosting an open house to recognize everyone who has helped support this project and invite anyone interested in joining our team either as a participant, mentor or sponsor. The open house will take place in the high school shop technology lab on Wednesday January 13 from 6-8 p.m. with a potluck sponsored by parents and students.
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