Microchip Technology, a supplier of microcontroller, Flash-IP and analog solutions, has recently declared the outcome of the Chandler-based 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Arizona Regional, which was held on March 23 and 24. The Carl Hayden High School of Phoenix, Crescent School of Toronto, Canada and Chandler’s Seton Catholic High School are eligible to compete in the St. Louis-based 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition Championship, from April 26 to 28.
The winners of the regional event include Flagstaff’s Coconino High School, Cactus High School of Phoenix, and Scottsdale’s Saguaro High School. Prior to participating in the competition, the students underwent a six-week project that involved design and construction of a robot for competing in Rebound Rumble. This 2-min, 15 s match included various teams taking part in basket ball competition using the robot. Over $14 M can be availed by any FIRST participant.
Microchip Technology in Arizona, Chandler served as the organizing sponsor for FRC Arizona Regional. The 2012 FRC AZ Regional Competition included around 50 robotics teams from high-schools in four countries such as Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and the U.S. Among those at the team, 44 were from Arizona and three were New Mexico students.
The various finalists of the event are summarized are as follows:
- The Regional Chairman’s Award was presented to Coconino High School, representing the objectives and goals of FIRST.
- Avery Silverman, a senior at Phoenix Country Day School, won the Steve Sanghi Scholarship by AZFirst, a nonprofit organization.
- The “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Patricia Smith, the FIRST Lego League (FLL) Affiliate Partner and K-12 Outreach Coordinator for ASU, Ira Fulton School of Engineering, for her unique performance in the FLL robotics program for students between 9 and 14 years.
- Coconino High School’s Christine Sapio was awarded the “Arizona Teacher of the Year,” for an essay written by her students.
- Woodie Flowers Finalist Award was presented to Ms. Jessica Popham, FIRST coach for Bioscience High School in Phoenix.