The Inspire Award is the top honor a team can earn during robotics contests. It’s given to a team that excels in the following areas: machine design, creativity, innovation, documentation of process, and other team attributes. The Blazin’ Bots were an example of success across the board, serving as an inspiration to others.
The accomplishment was the result of a school year of hard work and commitment to their robot and teammates. Blazin’ Bots began their journey in the fall, constructing their robot and designing the code to operate it. They competed at a Fall District Competition and earned a spot in the Michigan State Championship in December.
While they did not win awards at the state event, Art Teacher Heather Smith-Elliott said the team had an unforgettable experience and gained an abundance of knowledge. What they learned in the months leading up to their final competition proved to make an enormous difference, leading to the coveted Inspire Award.
“We didn’t expect to win it, so some of our team members were packing up,” Smith-Elliott said. “We had to corral everybody. Everyone was screaming and jumping up and down. It was mind blowing. I think I was crying.”
The team was recognized at an assembly the next week, and their classmates were amazed at the achievement. Smith-Elliott said seeing the Blazin’ Bots and their achievement inspired younger students to join the team when they’re old enough.
Those connections are important because as students go through the robotics program at Metro, they feel deeply connected to their team and the work they do. Former Blazin’ Bots often come back in high school, and this mentorship helped Metro’s team all year long.
Being on the Blazin’ Bots is a beneficial experience for students as they learn new STEM skills and other life skills such as time management and collaboration. Team members shared their favorite parts of being in the club:
Sixth-grade student Andrea Simoneau said: “We learned a lot and I made some friends in different grade levels. They were all pretty welcoming.”
Sixth grader Rocquel Black shared: “I liked meeting new people and having time with your team.”
Seventh-grade student Dakota Davis added: “My favorite part of robotics was hanging out with my friends while we also did work.”
Seventh grader Tevin Williams-Jones said: “My favorite part was looking at the robot and actually doing stuff with it and moving it around.”
The team brings a sense of camaraderie for students, who also enjoy the work they’re doing. The club has been popular throughout the years and will continue to be a hit for students, especially given their track record under Smith-Elliott and Kindergarten Teacher Madi Wojtkowski has been stellar.
Thanks to this team bond among students and coaches, Metro’s Blazin’ Bots achieved their competition’s most prestigious award. In a year full of success, the team truly ended on the best note possible.
Congratulations, Blazin’ Bots! Keep up the great work, Mrs. Smith-Elliott and Ms. Wojtkowski!
About Metro Charter Academy
Metro Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Romulus, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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