Ellsworth High School announces the start of the 2024 season for its robotics team, the Cybertronic Lancers, team #6087. This year marks the eighth anniversary of the team, which competes annually in the FIRST Robotics competitions, demonstrating skills in engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Guided by Mr. Clayton Faivor, a science teacher at Ellsworth Middle and High School, the Cybertronic Lancers have grown significantly over the past decade. Mr. Faivor’s expertise has been essential in mentoring students from 8th to 12th grade, helping them thrive in this challenging and enriching field.
A key element of the team’s success is the dedicated group of adult mentors who work with the students daily from 3:00 to 5:00 PM throughout the winter. These mentors are crucial in providing guidance in programming, electronics, and robot construction, making the program a reality.
Later this winter, the Cybertronic Lancers will participate in events in Lake City and Traverse City, where they will showcase their skills and ingenuity. Despite being from a smaller school, the team has consistently made its mark, regularly qualifying for the Michigan State Championships at Saginaw Valley State University.
The team's 2024 season commenced with an event in Boyne City, marking the kickoff of the season and the introduction of the new challenge. This event is pivotal as it sets the stage for all teams to understand the specific problem their robots will need to solve in the upcoming competitions. Mr. Faivor shared his enthusiasm for the new season: "This program is about more than building robots. It's about developing skills, inspiring innovation, and working together towards a common goal. Our aim this year is to excel in competition and continue to grow as a team."
Naomi Sponable, the Principal of Ellsworth Middle/High School, also highlighted the importance of the robotics program: "The program is crucial for our school. It provides technical skills and leadership opportunities for our students, preparing them for future endeavors."
As the Cybertronic Lancers prepare for their upcoming challenges, the team is focused on collaboration and applying their technical knowledge. Their achievements in the upcoming season will showcase the strong foundation of mentorship and student dedication that has been central to the program’s success at Ellsworth High School.