Committee advances resolution honoring South Eugene High robotics team after student testimony

A Senate committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 on Feb. 12 after students, a state representative and the sponsor described the South Eugene High School robotics team’s competition success and community outreach.

Senator Floyd Perzonski introduced the resolution, saying the team placed first in a Pacific Northwest district competition and then placed 67th at the FIRST World Championship, which fields thousands of teams worldwide. Representative Lisa Fragla said the team’s work demonstrates hands‑on learning in science, technology, engineering and math.

Students from South Eugene testified about how participation shaped their education and leadership. Alex Lind, who said he qualified for the world championships in his second year, described FIRST’s emphasis on “gracious professionalism” and international collaboration. Lydia Lee detailed the team’s adaptive-technology outreach, including “Go Baby Go” toys modified for children with motor impairments, and said those outreach efforts increase equity and access.

Several students and representatives also urged reinstating or restoring state funding for robotics. Alexander Frankel described an earlier state grant that provided about $250,000 a year before the pandemic; the grant was canceled in 2020 and not renewed, leaving some teams at risk. Testimony noted a related bill (SB 894) that would help robotics teams gain career‑technical education recognition and access to education grants.

The committee voted to advance SCR 6 to the floor with an adopted recommendation. The students invited senators to see competitions in Salem this month.

Votes at a glance: SCR 6 was moved to the Senate floor with an adopted recommendation by roll call.