The City of Tallassee has always risen to the charge of supporting its youth both in spirit and in resources. When SMS reached out to the local community seeking supporters of a Robotics Team, support was provided.
Our main support system stems from the Neptune Technology Group located here in Tallassee. They provided assistance from their Human Resources department through instruction on the problem solving process. Neptune has encouraged its young engineers to serve as mentors to our Robotics Team over the past several years. They meet with our team about three times a week most of which is their “off the clock” personal time including Saturday build days. We are grateful for their continued guidance and instruction. Their dedication to the completion and success of our team is appreciated. We appreciate you….. Mr. Kevin, Mr. Sean, Mr. Mitch, Mr. Jack, and Mr. Caleb!!! You can visit the Neptune Technology Group website to learn more about the innovative ideas happening within our community. http://www.neptunetg.com
The robotics team would also like to thank Mark and Christy Williams for volunteering their garage to serve as our off campus build and practice site. Mr. Williams and Mr. Brent Langley along with the assistance of Caden and Hadden built a replica practice field to allow the team members ample opportunity to practice driving and spotting. It is the dedication of these parents as well as the dedication and enthusiasm of the other parents of our team members that has allowed the team to achieve success through this six week process.
Each season of Robotics, our team attempts to give back to the community as well by making presentations about our experience to various civic organizations in our city such as the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, local business supporters and sponsors. Each year we make extra efforts to share what we have learned and demonstrate what we have accomplished to those who have supported and encouraged us throughout the process. This year we will be visiting Tallassee Elementary School, post-season, to share our experience with them and help inspire an interest in Mathematics and Science.
This year our team will also travel to Hyundai Motors in Montgomery, AL. for a team field trip. This will also occur in the post season, but will allow our members to see examples of robot assembly lines in action. It is these real world experiences that will continue to inspire our young students to pursue goals their goals of becoming engineers.