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Shawkbots compete at Provincials

Shawnigan robots go deep

The level of robotics in British Columbia has improved dramatically over the past 12 months. There are now more than 200 schools in the Province competing in the annual VEX Robotics tournament games.

Our Shawnigan Shawkbots robotics team is one of the top programs in B.C., if not in the country. However, this year, the game was tough, the competition even tougher, and we ran into a roadblock in the playoff rounds of the Provincial tournament this weekend in North Delta.

One of our robots was undefeated in the preliminary rounds of the tournament and entered the playoff round in second place out of 39 bots.  This, in itself, is an incredible accomplishment. Our other two robots were in 6th and 15th respectively – both in solid shape entering the playoffs.

However, with so many well-built robots, talented drivers and a competitive spirit that is very high, two of our robots were knocked out in the quarter-finals and our best robot of the day was knocked out in the provincial semifinals. Unfortunately for us, only the finalist robots and the champion robots advance to the World Championships in Louisville, Ky.

It was not meant to be this year and the team was disappointed, but also very aware of the intense competition and high-level of performance from other schools in the Province. This tournament was the final competition for John Y., Isabella Z., Duncan A. and Hermann K. – all Grade 12 students enrolling in STEM programs around the country next year.

The younger students are very energized by the success and failure, this year. Many lessons were learned and the legacy left by our departing seniors has energized our leaders for next year.

Go Shawkbots!

– Submitted by Mr. Paul Doig
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.