The following story was written by a student as part of the Conroe ISD Student Journalism Network.
By: Abigail Mason, Oak Ridge High School senior
The Oak Ridge Robotics team took home 2nd place in State at the UIL Robotics competition and earned special recognition from one of the state’s most prestigious publications.
Robotics Coach Mr. Fox was inspired to coach robotics because he is able to help kids combine the engineering skills they learn to make something great. It takes eight weeks to complete a competition model.
“We thought we came in fourth and got nothing, but instead we got second and everyone went nuts. It was great,” Fox said.
The Oak Ridge Robotics team never fails to impress those around them.
“On a typical competition day it starts early, everyone is focused, and then it waivers from good to bad to ugly. You never know what is going to happen,” Fox said.
The team made it to state with a lot of hard work, long hours and dedication. Members would stay after school on Mondays and Thursdays to work on robots and build their experience.
“Working together and actually thinking and doing what they had learned was good. I couldn't be prouder of them, they did great,” Fox said.
Oak Ridge robotics was able to push through and persevere through obstacles like having to adapt to their robot when necessary.
“One of my favorite parts about robotics is solving the problems,” Junior Carson Adams said.
The Robotics Team is not only a team, but yet better described as a family. They are all capable of locking in and becoming a competitive group no matter the circumstances.
“In Robotics, it is actually a very friendly relationship, we are all friends with each other, it is really a joy to be a part of this team,” Adams said.
Oak Ridge Robotics is currently preparing for the VEX competition, which is limited to seniors.
The group also received the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Robotics Club Spotlight Award presented by Aurora, earning a $500 donation to the program.