The Dalles Robotics Teams Reach Fundraising Goal; Set Sights on World Championship
Photos: Wasco County OSU Extension
By Cole Goodwin
Hood River, Ore., April 19, 2024 – Three robotics teams from The Dalles are gearing up to represent the Columbia Gorge area at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas this May, after successfully achieving their fundraising goal of more than $12,000 thanks to donations from the community and support from Google.
Now, thanks to the generous donations from the community, all student expenses for the event have been covered.
All three teams headed to Worlds this May are: The Dalles High School Senior team, System Overload: Ian Castañeda, Colin Shecter and Jack McAllister. TDHS Junior and Sophmore team, Syntax Error: Zach Banks, Everest Lenardson, Kim Morales, and Evelyn Schecter. And The Dalles Middle School team, Disconauts: Edgar Casteñeda, Will McAllister, Kanin Nefzger and Joren Torres.
Teams Syntax Error and System Overload at the 2024 Oregon State Championship. Photo: Wasco County OSU Extension
Teams Disconauts 2024 Oregon State Championship. Photo: Wasco County OSU Extension
Their journey to the world stage began months ago when the teams excelled at the Oregon State Championship. In recent years local robotics teams have not only competed but consistently ranked among the best, a clear testimony to the strength of the STEM programs fostered by the Oregon State University Extension in Wasco County.
Lu Seapy, STEM Outreach Program Coordinator, who introduced VEX Robotics to 4-H in Wasco County seven years ago, has seen her teams rise to impressive heights:
“It’s very unusual to have a team from a very small town in Eastern Oregon place eighth in the world," she remarked. Her efforts have helped transform local youths into confident participants on the global robotics stage.
"Overall, I’ve been extremely pleased to work with these students. They all possess leadership skills and technical expertise. I started working with many of them as elementary students in our STEM summer camp and after school programs. To see them now as high school students reaching these incredible heights is fantastic,” said Seapy.
“I’m also thankful to have wonderful partners like Google, The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub and North Wasco PUD who have been consistent and generous supporters of the program.”
The preparation for the competition is intense.
Starting in September, students dedicate numerous hours each week to design, build, and program their robots to tackle the challenges set by the Texas-based Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. This year's challenge involves navigating complex playing fields and executing precise tasks to score points.
"Robotics isn't just robotics. It's a way of life, being supportive and confident and working with your team,” explained Kanin Nefzger, a 7th grader involved in the program.
His sentiment is echoed by Ian Castaneda, a 12th grader and seasoned participant, "With Worlds, I am looking forward to studying the highest-performing robots all over the world with an eye to outperforming them. We want to beat the best of the best."
The teams are not just about competition; they are about community.
Each high school participant has also served as a mentor for younger students through the Wasco 4-H STEM Leadership program.
“Not only are our students exceptional robotics engineers and programmers, they are also good leaders and role models. 100% of the high school robotics students have served as mentors for elementary and middle school aged youth in the Wasco 4-H STEM Leadership program. These students volunteer to share their knowledge and skills with younger kids. I couldn’t be more proud,” said Seapy.
As the teams make their final preparations for the championship, their community continues to cheer them on. Updates on their progress and experiences in Dallas will be shared via the Wasco 4-H Oregon Facebook page, ensuring supporters can follow their journey every step of the way.
For more details on the team's journey or to get involved, contact Lu Seapy at OSU Extension in Wasco County, or visit their website. The global competition promises not only to challenge the teams but also to showcase the remarkable talent and dedication nurtured in the heart of Oregon.
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