Finley Robotics Students Make a Strong Showing

Three members of Finley Middle School’s robotics team, also known as “The Men in Black,” recently attended the VEX Robotics Competition, held at the Bethesda Science and Technology Institute in New Rochelle.

MIB team members Kyle Fahey, Shevon Rodrigo and Ryan Koenig (pictured left to right), led by robotics team adviser Lisa Pignataro, took fifth place in the competition. Judges lauded the boys for their teamwork and for demonstrating great school spirit.

VEX Robotics competitions are presented by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation and are considered the ultimate STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities for middle and high school students.

Each year, an engineering challenge is presented in the form of a game. Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, use the VEX Robotics Design System to build innovative robots designed to score the most points possible in qualification matches, elimination matches and skills challenges.

In addition to having a great time and building amazing robots, students learn many academic and life skills through their participation in the competition and their work within the team.

The team has been invited to participate in the Southern New York State Championships next month.