Meriden Robotics Team Earns Top Prize

Meriden's Gus Robotics Team 228 recently earned the Industrial Design Award at the 19th annual FIRST Robotics Competition Connecticut Regional held March 29-30 at the Connecticut Convention Center. 

Gus was founded in 1999 and includes students from Meriden, as well as students surrounding high schools.

Students from 56 high schools from six states competed during the two-day event. Using robots designed and built over a six-week period using a common kit of parts and a standard set of rules, they competed in Ultimate Ascent, a game where robots had to aim flying discs into goals of different heights and climb metal pyramids in the center of the playing field. 

Since its beginning, FIRST has significantly improved students’ attitudes towards math, science and their interest in pursuing careers in science and engineering. Students participating in FIRST are eligible to apply for over $16 million dollars in scholarships from leading universities, colleges and companies.

For more information on FIRST scholarships, visit: www.usfirst.org/scholarshipsearch.aspx 

The FIRST Connecticut Regional sponsored by UTC is the oldest and longest continually running FIRSTevent in New England. It is supported by volunteers and financial contributions from sponsors, including United Technologies, ING, the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, Covidien, Comcast, General Dynamics-Electric Boat, Pitney Bowes, Burns & McDonnell, Aetna, Pfizer, Webster Bank, McCormick, Paulding & Huber, Leever Foundation and the New Alliance Foundation. Konica Minolta Business Systems and XL Color make major in-kind contributions to Connecticut FIRST programs. The MetroHartford Alliance, the Connecticut Technology Council and the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) also provide valuable resources including time and talent from professional mentors, services, equipment, financial contributions, and volunteers.