SHARON, Pa. – The Sharon High School robotics team is returning home with international recognition after competing at the Canada Cup of Robotics in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
The team earned the Second Place Connect Award in the Technology Division, a judged award that recognizes teams that actively engage with their science, technology, engineering and mathematics community to learn, grow and apply new knowledge through persistence and collaboration. Overall, nearly 80 teams competed at the event.
Throughout the season, team members built connections with professionals across a variety of STEM fields, including representatives from the U.S. Navy, local manufacturing companies and engineering professionals. These partnerships provided insight into real-world applications of robotics, including object detection, wire management, safety practices and engineering design.
The Sharon team qualified for the Canada Cup after its performance at the First Tech Challenge Pennsylvania State Championship at Saucon Valley High School, where the team earned the First Place Sustain Award while competing against 36 of Pennsylvania’s top teams, selected from approximately 160 teams statewide. The Sustain Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate long-term program sustainability through effective planning, financial stability, mentor development and community support.
After receiving the First Place Think Award at their first qualifying event, team members made the decision to completely redesign their robot with just six weeks remaining before their next competition. Their efforts resulted in a First Place Inspire Award, a Finalist Alliance finish, an additional Inspire Award (Third Place) and recognition as the No. 1 ranked robot at competition.
Beyond competition, Sharon students have made an impact in their community. Team members have hosted robotics camps for younger students, provided robotics badge training for Girl Scouts, collaborated with industry professionals and shared their STEM experiences with a U.S. representative in Washington, D.C. The team has also partnered with local businesses, including Joy Cone Co., while working closely with safety specialists and engineering professionals to expand team members’ knowledge and strengthen their program.
Pictured at top: Members of the Sharon High School robotics team are, front row from left, Mary Claire Brown, Camille Klaric and Tina Salinas; and, back row from left, Ian Fischer, Henry Nowinski, Vincent Calla, Ben Fiscus, Trigg McMahon, Matthew Schimp and Katelyn Powell.