Mater Christi Middle School Robotics competes in high school championship

Left to Right: Ava Rohrbaugh (Charlotte), Emilie Buttolph (Colchester), Chris Haigney and Ellie Haigney (Charlotte), Tyler French (Milton), Julien Buttolph (Colchester), Jack Rutz (Shelburne), Wolfie Davis (Charlotte), Philip Skidd (Shelburne). Photo contributed

Mater Christi School’s Bulldog robotics team was one of only two middle school teams to compete against 30 high school teams in the First Tech Challenge Regional Championship at Essex High School on February 24. Mater Christi School students engineered, built and coded a robot in compliance with competition specifications and successfully constructed an operable robot that they were able to control and maneuver.

Sponsored by Kennedy Excavating, Logic Supply, Engelberth Construction and Trudell Consulting Engineers, the Bulldogs engaged in creative problem-solving to develop working solutions in order to compete and score points. Guided by Mater Christi faculty, Technology Director Michael Early and Makerspace Director Tricia Finkle, the Bulldogs placed 27th in a field of 32 competitors.

Mater Christi School has a very active makerspace and robotics program that engages students in grades K-8. Students develop technology skills that include 3D modeling, electricity and engineering, and many other projects throughout the school year. Mater Christi School is currently developing a partnership with the School of Engineering at UVM.