NIAGARA FALLS—A weekend of robotic smashing and crashing, to learning and networking for robotics team Manitoulin Metal as they competed at the Provincial Championships in Niagara Falls on April 16 to 19. Their robot, InBEEana Jones put up a strong match against opponents, showcasing consistent excellence and effectiveness in collecting game pieces, scoring and climbing. Making the entire team, coaches and sponsors proud.
CAD lead and Drive Coach Samuel Pennings said, “Thank you to all of our sponsors who helped us get this far; we would not have been able to do it without you!”
Manitoulin Metal unfortunately did not make the finals, but team captain Amara Wilson-Zegil was awarded the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Leadership award, and will be competing for the World Championship leadership award. The award recognizes dedication and individual contributions of outstanding secondary school students. Amara was nominated by her team for excelling in leadership, entrepreneurship, inclusion, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and dedication to advancing the mission of FIRST within their communities.
“Amara is a remarkable leader because she brings out the best in those around her. She has had a positive impact on all parts of our team from build to business awards,” said mentor Caroline Black.
Manitoulin Metal was the only team to receive a score of 100 percent after their safety inspection, and Violet Bell was nominated by competing teams, and was honoured to win the Safety All-Star award.
“I feel proud to carry on our captain’s legacy for safety. Safety is the number one priority at all times, I feel accomplished to have one safety All-Star award against 100 amazing teams,” said Violet.
Lastly, the most prestigious award in FIRST Robotics is the Provincial FIRST Impact Award, honouring the team that best represents and embodies the mission of FIRST. The award was created to keep the central focus of FIRST Robotics Competition and their goal of transforming the culture in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect and honour for science and technology, and to encourage more of today’s youth to become science and technology leaders.
“This team goes the distance spreading their impact through their entire community. By hosting decentralized workshops, they are able to provide equal access to STEM education, reducing barriers, and promoting equity. They are providing a support chain for FIRST teams and make connections to reduce material costs for new STEM start-ups and world to build a technology hive. Defying all known laws of aviation, this team went BEEyond all others. Qualifying for the World Championship is team 6865 Manitoulin Metal,” said the Provincial Championship judges.
Lead mentor Yana Bauer said, “The moment was so special, especially the cheering of thousands of other FIRST students and mentors from teams we admire. When they played the team video on the jumbotron, we were also so proud to share all we had accomplished.”
During the celebratory team dinner later that evening, another team the Kinetic Knights 781 from Kincardine came to congratulate the team saying, “It is so inspiring to see a team with less than 100 students do such amazing things.”
This year’s team includes, Faiz Akindele, Andrew Argall, Violet Bell, Caroline Black, Hannah Dawe, Venzel Fowler, Matt Gray, Jack Hartin, Tanner Hooper, Kaden Jamieson, Dylan Kuntsi, Mandy Mandoshkin Mandamin, Sebastian Mara, Robyn-Ashley McNaughton, Samuel Pennings, Isaac Quackenbush, Frederick Stover, Piper Thibodeau, Allie Thompson, Drew Thompson, Kaelen Thompson, Xander Thompson, Jesse Westwell, Kimberlee Williams, Amara Wilson-Zegil, Joseph Zillio. Mentors Yana Bauer, Cassandra Kuntsi, Michael Zegil, Barbara Pennings, Sharon Meeker and alumni mentors, Nevaeh Harper, Xavier Mara, Jocelyn Kuntsi, Alex Wilson-Zegil and Allan Wilkin.
“I am beyond proud of my team. We put in so much work this season into the robot, outreach, and team development, and I’m really happy I got to be a part of it all this year. I am really excited for this opportunity, and I couldn’t have done it without my teammates standing beside me.” said Captain Amara Wilson-Zegil.
Manitoulin Metal collectively expressed their pride in their team, the success they achieved together, and the growth they’ve experienced as a whole and individually.
Media and awards mentor Caroline Black said, “This weekend really highlighted the depth of our team with individual awards and of course the impact award that really belongs to everyone! We have so many incredible students, mentors, and community partners that played a part in creating a great robot and team. We are so grateful to represent the amazing community that is Manitoulin.”
by Mackayla McGregor
