It’s on to the state championship for one local high school robotics team.

Howell High School’s FIRST Robotics team, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots, claimed the Chairman’s Award at the Milford’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) District Event on Saturday, March 17th. The award honors the team that best represents a model for other teams to emulate and best embodies the purpose and goals of FIRST, an acronym which means ‘For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology’.

The S.C.O.T.S. Bots had to complete a video, presentation, and essay which included highlighting the impact the team has had on the community, how they are spreading the message of FIRST, how team members act as role models, how the team works with other FIRST teams and describing the team’s business plan. Earning the Chairman’s Award automatically qualifies the S.C.O.T.S. Bots to complete at the FRC State Championship next month in Saginaw. This is the second time that the team has received the Chairman’s Award.

Additionally, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots earned the Safety Award which celebrates the team which progresses beyond safety fundamentals by using innovative ways to eliminate or protect against hazards. Before heading to the FRC State Championship, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots will compete April 5-7 in Grand Rapids at the Forest Hills FRC District Event. (JK)