The 11 members of Pattonville High School's Robotics Team 2867 recently competed against an international field of contestants at the annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Championship, held April 25 through 28 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. More than 600 teams from 32 countries competed in the three levels of FIRST. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST strives to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

Pattonville's team was among the select few teams in Missouri to earn a spot in the World Championship after being awarded the first-place Inspire Award earlier this year at the Missouri Robotics Championship at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. The award was the highest possible at the state competition. Other robotics teams to compete from the St. Louis area were groups from Ballwin, Hazelwood Central, Normandy High School, O'Fallon (Ill.), St. Louis Priory School and Westminster Christian Academy.

Although Pattonville's team did not advance to the semifinals at the World Competition, sponsor Lori Cole, a social studies teacher at Pattonville High School, said, "Our students learned so many new tips, tricks, strategies and insights from the best robotics teams across the world that Pattonville is now poised to return next season stronger, smarter and more prepared than ever to raise the bar on the level of competition."

Students on Team 2867 are Mike Brown, Nik Frier, Joey Hakanson, Katie Harris, Warren Li, Grant Matthews, Brandon Mazzola, Jed Menard, Aidan O’Donnell, Doan Trieu and Khoa Trieu. Lori Cole is assisted in her sponsorship of the team by community mentors Brian Bateman, Jonathan Cole, Colin Shipley and Nicole Williams.

"Overall we had a great experience," Lori Cole said. "Our students continue to represent Pattonville in the most professional and gracious manner, which is definitely noticed by event organizers and other team coaches."

For more on the students' experience at the World Championship and to view photos, visit the Pattonville robotics teams' website at http://greenarmyrobotics.org.