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Saline honors robotics, esports and student volunteers; foundation reports sponsorship and grants
Summary
Board recognized middle-school FIRST robotics teams advancing to state and world championships, high-school esports successes, the High 5 student volunteer club, and received an update from the Foundation for Saline Area Schools on sponsorships and grantmaking.
The Saline Area Schools Board of Education recognized student achievements across STEM, esports and community service during its Jan. 14 meeting.
Robotics: Superintendent Steven Lodge introduced Saline Middle School’s four FIRST robotics teams — the Cy Bugs, Swarm, Hornet Hackers and rookie team Hive — totaling more than 55 students. Lodge said the teams won 23 awards this season including three Inspire Awards, the Cy Bugs set multiple records with collaborating teams and both the Cy Bugs and the Swarm won the Michigan state championships and are advancing to the FIRST World Championships in April. Several coaches and students appeared and described their work designing, building and programming competition robots.
Esports: The board also recognized Saline High School’s esports program. The district reported eight teams finished with a combined 46–27 record; four teams qualified for the Michigan State University state championships in December. The program won the state championship in Mario Kart and finished runner-up in Valorant; four players were named All-State in their respective games.
Student volunteers and foundation update: A student representative from the High 5 Club described the club’s volunteer work with local seniors — card-making, yard cleanups, veterans breakfasts and other activities — as well as partnerships with the Saline senior center. The Foundation for Saline Area Schools reported sponsorship and fundraising totals for the first half of the fiscal year: organizers said they secured $73,500 in sponsorships (including $17,500 in in-kind sponsorships) for the 2024–25 school year and $117,000 in sponsorships and donations from July through December. The foundation reported awarding $100,000 in grants for the school year, of which $67,535 had been disbursed as of the meeting, leaving $32,465 available for the remainder of the school year. Foundation staff also promoted the foundation’s Hall of Fame nomination window and an upcoming fundraiser, “Beads and Beats,” scheduled for February.
Board and public members praised the students and volunteers; superintendent and coaches asked the community to support STEAM facility investments discussed elsewhere in the meeting that district leaders say will expand program capacity.
