Hemlock Public School District is thrilled to announce that Hemlock’s Gray Matter Team 5712 has emerged victorious at the Midland, Michigan, district robotics competition. This significant achievement secures the team a coveted spot in the upcoming State Robotics Competition, to be held at Saginaw Valley State University, April 4 - 6 2024.
"Our team displayed exceptional skill, teamwork, and ingenuity to overcome challenges and clinch this win," said the drive team captain, Ana Rodriquez. "We're excited to represent Hemlock at the state level and showcase our passion for robotics."
The Hemlock Public School District has always prioritized STEM/STEAM education, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking from elementary through high school. Team 5712's success is a testament to this enduring commitment.
Team Coach Tom Lockwood praised the team’s dedication, saying, "The team’s resilience was on full display this weekend. The robot was worked on all weekend; there was nothing easy about this win. Ranking in the top ten in the state (out of 514 teams) speaks to our team’s competitiveness".
The team also won the FIRST Impact Award, the most prestigious award at FIRST, which honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the mission of FIRST. Dana Lockwood, 5712’s lead mentor said, “There are so many outstanding and deserving teams at this event, receiving this award is an incredible honor”.
Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck expressed pride in the team's achievement: "Our students continue to amaze us with their talents in STEM. Their success is a beacon of inspiration for all students in our district. This victory is not just for Team 5712 but for the entire Hemlock community."
In light of this victory and the school district's strong emphasis on STEM/STEAM education, the Hemlock Public School District is also excited to announce plans to break ground on the Lockwood STEM Center expansion within the next 30 days. This expansion will further enrich the district's capabilities in providing top-tier STEM education and resources to its students.
As Team 5712 prepares for the state competition, the Hemlock community rallies behind them, confident in their abilities and excited for their continued success.
For more information on Team 5712's journey and the Lockwood STEM Center expansion, please visit our website at hemlockps.com.