Bishop Brady Robotics Team 1517 has earned some bragging rights this year, but the ultimate test will be during their upcoming tournaments.  The eighteen members of the FIRST team organized a FIRST Lego League competition right here, at Bishop Brady High School, in November. Twenty-two teams of middle schoolers from all over the region joined Robotics team members, teachers, parents, and mentors for a day of fun, competition, and camaraderie. Team members also took time to mentor three robotics teams from St. John's School, assisting 15 students in the pursuit of scientific skill and knowledge.

When the official kickoff of the robotics season rolled around in January, the team had already logged in several hours together raising money for the team and learning the fundamentals of designing a robot. As the team prepares for its first regional competition in Manchester this March, spirits are high. They had already overcome many of the obstacles presented by this year's challenge "Breakaway"; a crazy, obstacle-ridden soccer-like game. The robot is sturdy and well-designed. The programming is clear, and the challenge will be met.

Traditionally, BBHS' robotics team competes in two regionals. This year, Team 1517 will compete in Manchester, NH at the Verizon Center, March 4-6, and again in Baltimore, Maryland at the Baltimore Convention Center, March 11-13. For more information about Team 1517 and FIRST Robotics, you may visit the team website at www.bbrobotics.org, or become a fan of our Facebook page: Bishop Brady Robotics Team 1517.