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Wilmington High robotics team showcases state record, outreach and mentoring
Summary
Wilmington High School’s robotics team presented its recent competition results, technical advances and outreach efforts to the School Committee, describing a state high-score record, fundraising and sustained mentoring of younger students.
The Wilmington School Committee heard a presentation from the Wilmington High School robotics team about its recent season, technical innovations and district outreach on Wednesday evening.
Team members said the group won a regional event and set a state high-score record in autonomous scoring this season, qualified for the state tournament and used fundraising and community events to support parts, equipment and outreach to younger students.
The presentation matters because the robotics program ties into K–12 STEM instruction, provides direct mentorship for middle- and elementary-school students, and supports hands-on learning that district leaders and committee members described as strengthening the district’s broader program pipeline.
Evander Ragsdale, a senior and the team’s strategy and business lead, described the group’s outreach work and public presence, saying, “We’re also on Instagram at WHS Wildcats robotics” and outlining summer enrichment and library events run by the team.
Jay Kurani, the mechanical lead, described engineering and software innovations that contributed to the team’s competitive results: “Our robot holds the state record and has scored the most points in the entire state” during the autonomous period, he said, and detailed mechanical slides, 3D-printed parts and the use of text-based code and advanced motion libraries for precise movement.
Jillian Weinstein, the assistant notebook keeper, described documentation and mentoring roles and said the high school team runs summer camps and mentors the middle school team, bringing elementary students to demonstrations and library events.
Committee members praised advisors and volunteers. “I particularly appreciate the outreach back to the middle school,” Mr. Turner said, citing mentorship and continuity between grade levels. Committee members also singled out advisors Miss Kim and Ms. Kang for “countless hours” of support.
The team said its fundraiser at a recent STEM fair raised more than $1,000 to buy parts and equipment, and outlined goals for next season, including aiming for the world championship.
The committee had no formal action related to the presentation.
The committee’s recognition underscored district leaders’ characterization of the team as a durable element of Wilmington Public Schools’ STEM offerings and a source of community outreach and student leadership development.
