Harrison Robotics Recognize Students, Mentors, Coaches: Celebrate Successful Year

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – Harrison Robotics congregated all its teams, assistants and others committed to the group’ success on April 27 at Harrison Middle School to celebrate the completion of another year.

Under the encompassing name Robot Nation, Harrison Robotics is comprised of three teams: (FLL) FIRST LEGO League-LEGO Stingers (two teams) for elementary grades 3-5; (FTC) FIRST Tech Challenge-RoboHornets for middle-schoolers, and (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition-Stingers of Steel at the high school.

In her introduction of the evening’s program, Bonnie Smalley described each Robotics competition level as a vital step in developing students skills and ensuring program teamwork and leadership – building not just robots, but confident, capable young innovators. She said that throughout the Robotics competition structure, students are given an opportunity to grow, collaborate and push the boundaries of what they can achieve. She noted that all three levels had celebrated impressive achievements this year.

-At the Clare Kiwanis qualifier, the FLL team earned first place in the Robotics Design Award, recognized for engineering and programming; and also received second place in the Core Values Award for their strong teamwork, innovation and embodiment of First Robotics Principles.

-The FTC team earned second place in the Sustainability Award which recognizes the team that demonstrates long-term planning, growth, and the ability to stay involved in their program over time.

Smalley then cited some of what the judges had to say: “Within this Hive, gracious professionalism isn’t just a value, it’s a way of life. The team exemplified this by investing their time and expertise in not one, but two other teams: helping build them up before the season even began. While some teams aim to string the competition, this team rises above by lifting others along the way. “

-The FRC Team was honored after Ferris State with the Imagery Award presented in honor of Jack Kamen for his dedication to art, illustration, and his lasting impact on FIRST. This award recognizes excellence in engineering aesthetics and visual integration of both machine and team identity. The judges’ comments on this awarding were: “The Stingers of Steel delivered a standout performance in this area. Their visual identity was impossible to miss … their bold and flashy aesthetics created an electric atmosphere. This team isn’t just a hologram, they are the real image..”

At the Mount Pleasant competition, the varsity team received the Gracious Professionalism Award which celebrates outstanding demonstration of FIRST core values, such as respect, sportsmanship and collaboration both on and off the field. began

The Robotics program is led by Kevin Smalley, who has been integral to it since it began at Harrison Community Schools and is known for uttering the phrase “I’m only here to build a robot.” Smalley is marking 10 years with Robotics and his achievement was celebrated by the students. Highlights of his commitment to the organization/students were read aloud by Bonnie Smalley, who also has been a co-driving force for Robotics.

‘Whether he’s working through a complex mechanical challenge, coding at 2 o’clock in the morning, wrenching on the robot when it needs fixing, or keeping the team’s spirit up during those long build sessions – Kevin’ s someone the team can always count on,” she said. “While he may not seek the spotlight, his impact is undeniable. His work ethic, problem-solving mindset and commitment to the team helps keep everything moving forward – often behind the scenes, but always essential. Because at the end of the day, ‘just building a robot’ turn into so much more. It becomes teamwork, mentorship, perseverance, and pride, and something bigger than yourself. It becomes famiily.”

Then a wide range of recognitions began with FLL Coach Dan Seefeld who lauded the contributions of mentors Danny Beckman and Ashley Randall. He then presented team member awards.

Kevin Smalley presented the FTC awards, beginning by recognizing the organizing mentors Emerson and Sarah Corder, as well as mentor Phil Metcalf. Smalley also recognized high school team member Eli Wing who had stepped up to help with the FTC team, as well as all-around assistant Allison Squires. Team member names were then called for their individual recognitions.

Last came the high school FRC team, acknowledging of accomplishments and awarding of certificates, as well as sports letters to those who had qualified. Yes, Robotics is now a letter sport.

Throughout, each awardee stood before their team’s robot display for an official photo to commemorate the moment.

One point Kevin Smalley made with pride was that of all the schools competing in this district, only Harrison Community Schools contributes to the program. He noted that early on, former superintendent Rick Foote had committed to always providing funding for the robot itself. That, of course, is not the largest expense as competing also includes travel, lodging and food – which hits a hefty yearly total. That’s why the group does such extensive fundraising, and currently is commencing its effort to obtain more business/corporate/organization sponsors.

The special connection and openness Kevin Smalley shares with the students was highly evident as attendees viewed a student-made video presentation filled with student commentary. It was filled with appreciation, dry humor, good-natured silliness and underlying affection. He took the ribbing and teasing they offered with his usual grace and some serious laughter – but that’s what happens when clever, intelligent kids decide to capitalize on referencing their leader as “a 13-year-old girl.”

At the end of the lauding, Smalley was presented with a gift contained in a small jewelry box, and offered up to him by Eli Wing (on one knee as though proposing marriage). After peeking into the box, Smalley was left a bit verklempt and pretty much speechless. A nice topper on the FIRST 10 years.

Now, if it appears that Robotics will take a break as the teams rest up for the next school year – well, think again. The group’s ethos includes doing things to benefit the community, something to be found in abundance as part of the group’s summer itinerary. It fills every week from the end of this school year and well into the start of the next. From working at the monthly food distributions [ages 14 and older], to off-season Robotics events, to car shows, parades, mandatory First Aid training, summer camps, Street Fair, to the all girls Goonnettes First Robotics Club event.

Robotics is filled with brilliant, enthusiastic and challenge-driven students and their mentors, all of whom are more than happy to share information about their group and their precious robots. That opportunity will present multiple times this summer at various community events – get to know them. They have lots to share.