Standing, in back from left to right, are Crystal Rishell, Deadlox mentor, Jessica Szejk, Deadlox team member, Andrew Wells, Deadlox team member, Padon Rishell, Deadlox team member, CJ Kogovsek, ECCSS board of directors, Dave Rishell, Deadlox mentor, Mary Agnes Marshall, ECCSS president, Sandy Florig, ECCSS principal and Dane Peterson, ECCSS computer technician. (Provided photo)
High school members and adult mentors of 4-H Deadlox 4484, a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC®) Team based out of Clearfield County, recently hosted two information nights in DuBois and St. Marys.
On Sept. 25, the team hosted an information night for anyone interested in joining the club for the upcoming season. The session was held in Room 209 of the DEF Building at the Penn State DuBois campus. During the event, the team members and mentors shared their 2013 journey with robotics and discussed the aspects of both the 4-H and FRC programs.
On Oct. 7, the team traveled to St. Marys and presented to the Elk County Catholic School System, which is interested in forming a Rookie FRC Team for 2014. Team members and mentors spoke to prospective student members, parents, teachers, school board representatives and school administration about FIRST and the essentials in putting together a successful team.
The team is still seeking new members for the 2014 season. Dedicated, high-school aged teens interested in building and programming a robot, as well as students with an interest or skills in marketing are encouraged to check out an upcoming team meeting. Planning for the upcoming season has started and will run through December with the official FRC kick-off slated for Jan. 4, 2014 at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. At this event, the build season will officially begin with the unveiling of the 2014 challenge. The Pittsburgh FRC Regional event will take place at California University of Pennsylvania, March 27 – 29, 2014.
With a fundraising goal of $10,000 for 2014, the team is also seeking local sponsors. For additional information on joining or sponsoring Deadlox, contact Jana Davidson at Penn State Extension in Clearfield County at 814-765-7878, Ext. 3.
4-H is a non-formal youth development educational program of Penn State Extension for all youth between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, genetic information, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.