Four Bancroft US Robotics Teams competed in the Pembroke Academy VEX Robotics Holiday Classic in New Hampshire this past weekend, and Team B, led by senior Jessica C. along with team members Aurea D., Jack K., and Anqi S., took home the Design Award. This award is given to the team that demonstrates excellence in the design of their robot. It also requires team dedication to journaling the design process through the use of their engineering notebook, and their ability to articulate the unique features of their design in an interview with a panel of judges.

Coach Elisa Heinricher was thrilled with the results. "Never in our wildest dreams did we think we could take the top design award, but it shows how hard these kids work, and how creative they are." Heinricher received many compliments from officials about how passionate and knowledgeable the Bancroft students were about their robots.

The tournament included regular competitions, Driver Skills competitions, Programming Skills competitions, and judging for 13 awards. Bancroft Robotics Teams A, C, and D competed through quarterfinals, and Team B competed through semi-finals. Scoring was climactic in the final rounds, as judges' decisions came down to a point or two.

The students enjoyed the support of the many parents who came to New Hampshire to cheer on the teams. Congratulations Robodogs! (Pictured above from L to R: Anqi S., Thomas C., Coach Heinricher, Aurea D., Jessica C., and Jack K.)