As reported in last week’s Mitchell County Press News, the Osage Community High School robotics team competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition in Cedar Falls. Osage was one of around 60 teams from across the Midwest to compete. There was also a team from Brazil and a team from China.
“In order to participate in an event like this it takes the whole community working together,” Osage coach and mentor David Lempia said. “We can’t raise enough money every year just by grants.”
At FIRST, rural teams such as Osage often face large-city and suburban competition. Despite this, Osage was one of only two teams to earn a spot in the FIRST World Championships in Houston. With help from the community, Osage would compete from April 17-20.
Even more impressive, this was Osage’s first year, as the program did not start until last fall. Osage was awarded the Rookie All-Star Award for their trouble.
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“It is a huge accomplishment and a lot to take in,” said Jeff Margrett, FIRST Robotics Competition Regional Director.
In a press release, Osage Community High School noted that competition costs and expenses are significant, and as Lempia explained, only with help from the community will the Green Devils be able to compete.
Kayelea Parks was one member of the Osage robotics team that took a victory lap at the March 25 Osage Community School Board meeting.
“Going in you don’t expect it to be such a big event,” Parks said.
It was a big event with a big result. Parks indicated the team was willing to hold fundraisers to help raise the money needed to head to Houston in April. If they can do that, their future is set.
“We have quite a few future plans for the team,” Parks said.
“The sky’s the limit,” said Osage Community School District Superintendent Barb Schwamman.
Jason W. Selby is the community editor for the Mitchell Country Press News. He can be reached at 515-971-6217, or by email at jason.selby@globegazette.com.