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RUSD students urge continued support for FIRST robotics; regional competition April 5
Summary
Students from Case, Real and Walden spoke during public comment about the benefits of FIRST robotics, the skills students gain and upcoming competitions. Speakers asked the district to treat robotics as an educational opportunity with broader access.
During the public-comment portion of the Racine Unified School District board meeting on March 17, several students and a community volunteer described participation in FIRST Robotics and asked the board to recognize the program’s academic and career benefits.
Colin Ostrowski, a public commenter, framed the program and said the competitions draw teams from around the world and help students pursue STEM careers. Wyatt Sadowski, a sophomore at Case High School, told the board his two years on his school’s FIRST Robotics team taught him CAD, 3-D printing, CNC drafting and leadership skills and that “employers and colleges view FIRST alums favorably.” Sadowski said about $80,000,000 in scholarships are associated with FIRST nationwide, a figure he attributed to the organization.
Students from Walden’s “Walnuts and Bolts” team described starting their team in 2016, outreach to elementary students, constrained team size (about 13 members) and recent awards for team dynamics and outreach. Emily Strack, a Real School student, said the Wisconsin regional competition will be April 5 at the Wisconsin State Fair and explained event structure: qualifying matches, alliance selection and bracket play leading to the FIRST Championship for advancing teams.
Speakers asked the board to value robotics as more than a club, emphasizing technical, business and communications skills gained through the program. Board members responded with praise and said they may attend regional events.
