Howell robotics team earns highest honors at competition, heads to state championship

Howell High School’s FIRST Robotics team, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots, claimed the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the Mildford FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) District Event on Saturday, March 17. The award honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST.

The S.C.O.T.S. Bots had to complete a video, presentation, and essay, which included highlighting the impact the team has had on the community, how they are spreading the message of FIRST, how team members act as role models, how the team works with other FIRST teams, and describing the team’s business plan. Earning the Chairman’s Award automatically qualifies the S.C.O.T.S. Bots to complete at the FRC State Championship next month. This is the second time that the team has received the Chairman’s Award.

At the competition, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots finished match play in 13th place and was selected as a member of the fourth alliance, with teams from Clarkston and Pontiac. The alliance was eliminated from competition in the quarterfinals. Additionally, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots earned the Safety Award, which celebrates the team that progresses beyond safety fundamentals by using innovative ways to eliminate or protect against hazards.

Before heading to the FRC State Championship, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots will compete April 5-7 in Grand Rapids at the Forest Hills FRC District Event.