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Bemidji students showcase RoboJacks and Whistlepunks robotics programs, tout inclusion and growth
Summary
Students from the Bemidji High School RoboJacks and the Whistlepunks middle-school team presented robotics work and a Unified Robotics inclusion program, reported rapid program growth and invited the public to upcoming competitions.
Bemidji High School students presented the RoboJacks program to the school board on Nov. 17, describing how technical training and leadership development are built into competition work.
"We will share how our team not only builds robots, but builds skilled and prepared leaders," said Megan of the RoboJacks, who introduced teammates Connor and Ren and outlined the team’s approach to CAD, machining and coding during a six-week build season. Students described roles such as drivers, pit crew and scout lead and credited teamwork for playoff finishes at regional events.
Middle-school students from the Whistlepunks said they formed their team this summer with mentor support and grants to bridge from FIRST LEGO League to full FRC competition. "We were the first all middle school team to compete at the NMRC tournament," a team member said, noting a No. 7 ranking among 24 teams at that event.
Both teams emphasized outreach. The RoboJacks described a Unified Robotics program launched in 2023 that pairs students with and without disabilities; presenters said the unified model grew from four teams across two schools to about 30 teams across 13 schools this year, a roughly 160% increase. The teams invited the public to a competition Saturday at Bemidji High School (about 10:30 a.m. start) and to a FIRST LEGO League event Dec. 12 at the Sanford Center.
Board members and community attendees applauded the students’ work. The chair thanked the teams and wished them luck in upcoming competitions.
The teams fielded questions from board members about shop equipment and logistics; students said their machine shop houses multiple lathes used for fabricating robot parts.
The presentation closed with students encouraging community attendance and continued support for robotics programs.
