By Kaylee Duda, Cougrtech member Oct 5, 2023click here to see original article
In the heart of Honeoye Falls, a group of young minds is blazing a trail of innovation and engineering excellence. The HF-L CougarTech FIRST Robotics Team, a dynamic and dedicated group of students from both Rush-Henrietta Senior High School and Honeoye Falls-Lima High School, is making waves in the world of robotics and STEM education. Their journey is a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.
Founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is an international organization that aims to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders. They are dedicated to fostering a global community including values of teamwork, creativity, and lifelong learning, ensuring every student has the opportunity to become a leader and make a positive impact on our world. The HF-L CougarTech team, under the guidance of dedicated mentors and teachers, fully embraces this mission.
Team 2228 was officially established in 2006 by residential members who wanted to boost STEM engagement among students, giving them more opportunities. Originally, the team represented Honeoye Falls-Lima High School, but in 2009, CougarTech merged with the FRC team from neighboring Rush-Henrietta. Since then, they have proudly represented both schools.
The team competes in the annual FIRST Robotics Competition, where they are challenged to design, build, and program a robot to complete a specific set of tasks. However, their journey goes far beyond building robots: it’s about problem-solving, collaboration, and learning valuable life skills. Over the last few years, CougarTech has won multiple awards at competitions and traveled for competitions, most recently venturing to Cleveland.
Members of the HF-L CougarTech team come from diverse backgrounds and interests, but they all share a passion for science and technology. As they work together on the robot, they learn valuable skills such as mechanical engineering, software programming, electrical wiring, and project management. These skills not only prepare them for future careers but also help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Giles, the electrical team lead, says, “Robotics helped me gain an interest in something I never knew I enjoyed, electrical. Along with that, it has furthered my experience in STEM and gave me a place to share my interests.”
Beyond engineering, Team 2228 has a vital operations side, focusing on marketing, safety, and finance. They promote the team’s image, using creativity to create posters and social media content to attract members and support. A safety team ensures the well-being of members and observers through protocols, training, and workspace vigilance. Finally, managing budgets, securing sponsorships, and fundraising falls to the finance team. Each year, they face the challenge of designing a robot that not only fulfills the competition’s tasks but also stands out in terms of innovation and aesthetics. Additionally, this group creates unique team merchandise such as t-shirts and buttons that embody the competition theme, fostering team identity and community engagement.
The HF-L CougarTech team is not content with just building robots; they are also committed to giving back to districts. They regularly participate in demonstrations and other events - such as parades - to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators. Their impact extends beyond the school walls, making a positive mark on the wider community.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of parents, teachers, mentors, and sponsors. Mentors help guide participants in the right direction toward success while also allowing collaboration among student members. The HF-L CougarTech team is grateful for the support they receive, which allows them to pursue their dreams and inspire others. They primarily partner with a 501(c)(3) non-profit - Rochester Community Robotics - which provides tax benefits to both sponsors and individual donors.
As the CougarTech FIRST Robotics team continues to push the boundaries of innovation and education, they remind us the future of technology and science is in capable hands. Their journey is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and dedication, proving that with the right support, young minds can achieve remarkable feats.