CHARLEVOIX The Charlevoix Middle/High School Robotics Team are preparing for two upcoming competitions, taking place on March 16 and April 6.

They have been in the process of constructing a robot to compete in the games assigned to the matches and with six weeks of building time, these students have dedicated themselves to creating a quality robot.

We went through prototype after prototype, said four-year member and two-year team captain Marlo Schwartzfisher. And after we had found the best choice, we made a final version of it. After a few things went wrong with the last version of the robot something always breaks we finally had our final product.

All robots must not exceed the weight limit of 120 pounds, according to competition rules, so the students needed to be sure that everything attached had a purpose.

The robot was programmed by the students to climb a rope, crabwalk, catch gears, shoot and dump the balls into their proper place in the game. With unique wheels, an adjustable ramp and a battery that can hold 15 to 30 minutes of driving time, the Charlevoix team members are on the road to victory.

Last year the team was only six points away from qualifying for the state competition. This year is looking promising.

For this upcoming competition we are on schedule and more organized than previous years, Schwartzfisher said. From the beginning, we all wanted to build the same type of robot; we just needed to figure out how we were going to make it happen.

The Charlevoix Robotics team is small and structured, with about 10 students involved. Charlevoix High School students present all ideas and do the building. The students often partake in thoughtful discussions with each other about what is best for the robot.

It gets your mind thinking in a different way than school. Robotics is about challenging you, your mind, and your physical abilities, Schwartzfisher said. Its a big commitment, dont get me wrong, but its a way to open yourself up to new things.

The students must apply incredible teamwork to ensure everything runs smoothly. When you enter their workshop, it is easy to see the passion they hold for their team.

The Charlevoix Robotics program is a real asset to our community; its an incredible opportunity for the students of the high school to expand upon themselves as a well-rounded person.

This program has taught me leadership skills that I couldnt have gotten anywhere else, Schwartzfisher said. Leadership skills that got me a full ride to Michigan Tech. I dont know where Id be if I didnt have robotics.

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Charlevoix robotics team prepares for upcoming competitions - Petoskey News-Review