Editor’s Note: The Grauer School in Encinitas released the following announcement March 22.
The Grauer School Shockwave Robotics Team won a first place team trophy at the “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) FIRST Tech Challenge” (FTC) Los Angeles Regional Championship Tournament on December 10, 2011, as well as capturing the Inspire Award, the highest award offered in the competition bestowed upon the team that exemplifies advancing robotics awareness and assisting other teams including excelling in every judged category for robot design and operation.
These two awards achieved during the first competition of the season have qualified them to compete in the FIRST World Championships to be held April 25-28, 2012 in St. Louis, MO.
The Grauer School team has three rookie members this year, who contributed to the win of both awards unprecedented feat in recent history (ever) at the LA Championships. This year’s Shockwave team includes Alex Guy (’12), Cameron Shaddle (’12). Stephen Linam (’13), Keenan Jones (’13), Jacob Hertz (’14), Jacob Baizer (’15), and Craig Kimball (’16).
According to Grauer School Math and Science Teacher and Math Department Chair Morgan Brown, "We’ve engaged in multiple community outreach service events and have more planned. Each event has involved the team members engaging with the public to explain what our robot does, how they are designed and built, plus spreading the word about FIRST and robotics in general.
"We’ve delivered our message to the following locations: On February 23, we demonstrated at the Kelly Elementary School Science Night; on Sunday February 26 we delivered a presentation to the Encinitas Library Robotics group where Encinitas Mayor Jerome Stocks declared this date FIRST Robotics Day in Encinitas. On March 3-4 we engaged in the FRC Championships, on March 17 we will be at the “Showdown event at Legoland, on March 24 we will engage in the San Diego Science Expo at Petco Park and on June 9 we have been invited to participate in the San Diego Fair Championship. ” Shockwave competed in January at the San Diego FIRST FTC Championships and won a design award. Shockwave additionally was on hand to mentor and help other teams the day of.
The Grauer School is an independent grades 6 –12 college preparatory day school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is currently enrolling students in its Summer School sessions during June 25-July 13 and July 16-August 3. Priority enrollment includes a 3% discount on enrollment fees if registered by March 2012. The school serves as a successful educational model for hundreds of private schools around the world through the Coalition of Small Preparatory Schools established by Founding Director, Stuart Grauer, Ed.D. To learn more about The Grauer School experience, or upcoming Summer School, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760-944-6777.
