Team ProDigi finished 2017 with a bang at the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference

Robotics is gaining in popularity in the state, and DigiKey couldn’t be more excited! DigiKey has sponsored the local high school FIRST robotics team for several years now in its ongoing effort to support the STEM initiative in schools. DigiKey realizes that the future of engineering starts with, and depends on, getting young people interested in engineering and STEM careers in general while they are still in school.

Robotics combines several learning opportunities in a fun and exciting way. Students have the opportunity to touch and explore all types of engineering while participating in robotics. On any given day a student could be learning mechanical, wiring, and computer programming skills as they build their robot for competition. Students also learn how to network with each other, talk to and engage with sponsors, and interact with opposing teams.

This past weekend, Team ProDigi had an impressive showing at the first annual Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference in Cass Lake, MN, by coming home with third place AND the Spirit Award. Not a bad way to end an already outstanding year!

Wrapping up 2017 we were either an alliance captain or were selected to be in an alliance at all five events that we attended. It was our first trip to Nationals and the first time placing third at the MSHSL Championships. We also were awarded three additional awards during our competition season. https://www.facebook.com/LHSTRF/posts/1195900223843853

Front row: Caleb Dyrud, Jason Nelson, Annika Senum, Tyler Kalvoda, Jennifer Nehring, Elliot Foster
Middle row: Peter Worden, Allen Aldinger, Cooper Olsonawski, Sebastian Mott, Elijah Speas, Natasha Olsonawski, Sean Minder
Back row: Chris Kramer, Matias Jessen, Antonio Steele, Will Reishus, Micah DeBoer, Reid Landsrud
Not pictured: Ethen Skjerven and Bryan Mesich

Stay tuned for more FIRST robotics action as the 2018 season officially begins on January 6^th! We can’t wait, can you? POWER UP! #OMGRobots